township
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for township, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small administrative division of a county or district, often rural.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Etymology
From Old English tunscipe, "the people of a town," built from town plus the suffix -ship (meaning "state" or "condition").
Full origin of township →Frequently asked questions
What does “township” mean?
The word “township” means a small administrative division of a county or district, often rural. In plain terms, a small local government area, or (in South Africa) a segregated urban district from the apartheid era.
How do you pronounce “township”?
“Township” is pronounced TOWN-shihp (/ˈtaʊnʃɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “township” in a sentence?
Here is “township” used in a sentence: “The township holds its budget meeting every spring.”
What part of speech is “township”?
“Township” is a noun.
Where does the word “township” come from?
The word “township” comes from Old English. From Old English tunscipe, "the people of a town," built from town plus the suffix -ship (meaning "state" or "condition").
Is “township” a common word?
“Township” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “township” have?
“Township” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small administrative division of a county or district, often rural.
What is the difference between a "township" and a "town"?
A "town" is a populated place, larger than a village, where people live and work. A "township" is usually an administrative division, a unit of local organisation that may cover several settlements and rural land. So a town is a place, while a township is more often a governing area.
How does the meaning of "township" differ in South Africa?
In most countries a township is a rural or suburban administrative district. In South Africa, "township" specifically refers to an underdeveloped urban area that was historically set aside for non-white residents under apartheid. The South African sense carries strong historical and social meaning.
What is the difference between a "township" and a "municipality"?
A "municipality" is a formally incorporated local-government unit, such as a city or town, with its own council and powers. A "township" is often a smaller or more rural subdivision, and in some systems it sits within a larger municipality or county. The exact relationship depends on the country's system of government.