province

The word “province” means a large administrative division of certain countries, such as Canada or China. In plain terms, either a major territorial division within a country, or, figuratively, someone's area of responsibility or expertise.

“Province” is pronounced PROV-ihns (/ˈpɹɔv.ɪns/ in IPA).

Here is “province” used in a sentence: “Ontario is Canada's most populous province.”

“Province” is a noun.

The word “province” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman province, from Latin prōvincia, likely from prō- ("forward") plus vinciō ("to bind, tie.").

“Province” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Province” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large administrative division of certain countries, such as Canada or China.

Both are large divisions within a country, and the choice of word depends on the nation. Countries like Canada and China use "province," while the United States, Australia and India use "state." The powers each holds vary, but functionally a Canadian province and a US state play a similar role.

In Canada the distinction is important. Provinces have their own powers granted directly by the constitution, while territories are administered under authority delegated by the federal government. Provinces such as Ontario are more autonomous; territories such as Yukon have historically had less independent power, though this has grown.

Canada has ten provinces, including Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta. China is divided into provinces such as Sichuan, Guangdong and Henan. Other countries, from South Africa to the Netherlands, use provinces too. Each is a major administrative region within the larger nation.

Many do. Canada, China, South Africa, the Netherlands, Argentina, Pakistan and Italy all divide their territory into provinces, among others. The word tends to appear where a country wants a large regional tier of government below the national level but above local towns and cities.