name
Uncommon
Auschwitz
OWSH-vihts
Auschwitz (name) means the site in occupied Poland of the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp during World War II, now used as shorthand for the Holocaust itself. Example: “Over a million people were murdered at Auschwitz between 1940 and 1945.”
name
1
The site in occupied Poland of the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp during World War II, now used as shorthand for the Holocaust itself.
"Over a million people were murdered at Auschwitz between 1940 and 1945."
How to use Auschwitz
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe name of the notorious Nazi death camp, now used to refer to the Holocaust and its horrors more broadly.
When to use it
A grave historical term; used with care and never lightly.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Auschwitz.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Over a million people were murdered at _____ between 1940 and 1945.
Etymology
The German name for the Polish town of Oświęcim, near which the camp was built.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Auschwitz” mean?
The word “Auschwitz” means the site in occupied Poland of the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp during World War II, now used as shorthand for the Holocaust itself. In plain terms, the name of the notorious Nazi death camp, now used to refer to the Holocaust and its horrors more broadly.
How do you pronounce “Auschwitz”?
“Auschwitz” is pronounced OWSH-vihts (/ˈaʊʃ.vɪts/ in IPA).
How do you use “Auschwitz” in a sentence?
Here is “Auschwitz” used in a sentence: “Over a million people were murdered at Auschwitz between 1940 and 1945.”
What part of speech is “Auschwitz”?
“Auschwitz” is a name.
Where does the word “Auschwitz” come from?
The word “Auschwitz” comes from German. The German name for the Polish town of Oświęcim, near which the camp was built.
Is “Auschwitz” a common word?
“Auschwitz” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include Auschwitz:
