ghetto
5 synonyms for ghetto, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A part of a city, historically often walled or enclosed, where a minority group — especially Jews — was forced to live.
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 ghetto
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Jewish ghetto
inner-city ghetto
Using "ghetto" as a casual adjective for anything cheap or low-quality can come across as disrespectful given the word's history — use with care.
Etymology
From the name of the Venetian Ghetto, the segregated Jewish quarter of Venice; the word's exact origin is disputed.
Full origin of ghetto →Frequently asked questions
What does “ghetto” mean?
The word “ghetto” means a part of a city, historically often walled or enclosed, where a minority group — especially Jews — was forced to live. In plain terms, historically, a segregated urban district forced on a minority group; more loosely today, a poor or run-down neighbourhood.
How do you pronounce “ghetto”?
“Ghetto” is pronounced GEH-toh (/ˈɡɛ.toʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ghetto” in a sentence?
Here is “ghetto” used in a sentence: “Thousands died in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Second World War.”
What part of speech is “ghetto”?
Depending on how it is used, “ghetto” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “ghetto” a common word?
“Ghetto” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ghetto” have?
“Ghetto” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a part of a city, historically often walled or enclosed, where a minority group — especially Jews — was forced to live.
What is the difference between a "ghetto" and a "slum"?
A "slum" generally refers to any poor, overcrowded urban area regardless of its residents' background. "Ghetto" carries a more specific historical association, originally referring to a walled or enclosed part of a city where a minority group, especially Jews, was forced to live, and later extending to poor urban areas linked to a particular ethnic or minority community.
What did "ghetto" originally refer to historically?
The word originally referred to a part of a city, historically often walled or enclosed, where a minority group — especially Jewish communities — was forced to live.
Is using "ghetto" as an adjective considered offensive?
Yes, when used informally as an adjective to mean cheap, low-quality, or associated with poor urban neighborhoods, "ghetto" is often considered offensive or slang, so it is best avoided in formal or careful writing.
