county
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for county, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An administrative or geographic division within a country or state.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use county
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman counté, from Latin comitātus ("jurisdiction of a count").
Full origin of county →Frequently asked questions
What does “county” mean?
The word “county” means an administrative or geographic division within a country or state. In plain terms, a region within a country or state used for local government and administration.
How do you pronounce “county”?
“County” is pronounced KOWN-tee (/ˈkaʊn(t)i/ in IPA).
How do you use “county” in a sentence?
Here is “county” used in a sentence: “The two towns are located in the same county.”
What is another word for “county”?
Words with a similar meaning to “county” include xian.
What part of speech is “county”?
“County” is a noun.
Where does the word “county” come from?
The word “county” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman counté, from Latin comitātus ("jurisdiction of a count").
Is “county” a common word?
“County” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a county and a country?
A country is an independent nation with its own government, like France or Japan. A county is a much smaller administrative division inside a country or state, such as Kent in England or Orange County in the US. The words differ by one letter but describe vastly different scales.
What is the difference between a county and a state?
A state is a large political region within a country, while a county is a smaller unit inside a state. In the US, for example, each state is subdivided into counties that handle local matters like courts, roads, and records. Counties sit below states in the hierarchy.
What is an example of a county?
In England, Yorkshire, Kent, and Cornwall are well-known counties. In the United States, Los Angeles County and Cook County are among the largest by population. Each is a defined geographic area with its own local government responsible for services within its boundaries.
How is a county governed?
Counties are usually run by a local body such as a county council, board, or commission, made up of elected representatives. They often oversee services like roads, schools, policing, and public records within their area. The exact powers vary widely between countries and even between regions.