canton
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for canton, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A political or administrative division of a country, such as one of the states of Switzerland.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use canton
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French canton, from Old French canton, "corner."
Full origin of canton →Frequently asked questions
What does “canton” mean?
The word “canton” means a political or administrative division of a country, such as one of the states of Switzerland. In plain terms, a political subdivision of a country, most famously the states of Switzerland.
How do you pronounce “canton”?
“Canton” is pronounced KAN-tuhn (/ˈkæntən/ in IPA).
How do you use “canton” in a sentence?
Here is “canton” used in a sentence: “Switzerland is made up of twenty-six cantons, each with its own local government.”
What part of speech is “canton”?
Depending on how it is used, “canton” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “canton” come from?
The word “canton” comes from Old French. From Middle French canton, from Old French canton, "corner.".
Is “canton” a common word?
“Canton” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “canton” have?
“Canton” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a political or administrative division of a country, such as one of the states of Switzerland.
What is the difference between a canton and a state or province?
A canton is a specific type of administrative division, most famously used in Switzerland, where the country is divided into cantons that each have their own local government and a degree of autonomy. "State" and "province" are more general terms used in other countries for similar regional divisions, so canton is essentially Switzerland's version of a state.
How many cantons make up Switzerland?
Switzerland is made up of a number of cantons, each functioning as a self-governing member of the Swiss federation with its own constitution, government, and laws within the framework of national law. This structure reflects Switzerland's decentralized political system.
What does canton mean as a verb?
As a verb, to canton means either to divide a region into cantons or, in a military sense, to house troops by requisitioning lodging in a local area. This military meaning of "cantoned troops" is less common today but still appears in historical and military writing.