English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Common

Boston

BOS-tuhn

Boston (noun) means the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. Example: “They spent a weekend exploring the historic sites of Boston.”

noun
1
The capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Massachusetts.
"They spent a weekend exploring the historic sites of Boston."

How to use Boston

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe main city of Massachusetts, in the northeastern United States, or the English town it was named after.

Word forms

Bostons plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “Boston” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They spent a weekend exploring the historic sites of _____.

Etymology

The American city was named after the English town of Boston, Lincolnshire, home to several early colonists.

Beantown The Hub The Cradle of Liberty

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “Boston” mean?

The word “Boston” means the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. In plain terms, the main city of Massachusetts, in the northeastern United States, or the English town it was named after.

How do you pronounce “Boston”?

“Boston” is pronounced BOS-tuhn (/ˈbɔstən/ in IPA).

How do you use “Boston” in a sentence?

Here is “Boston” used in a sentence: “They spent a weekend exploring the historic sites of Boston.”

What part of speech is “Boston”?

“Boston” is a noun.

Is “Boston” a common word?

“Boston” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is Boston known for?

Boston is one of America's oldest cities, famous for its role in the American Revolution, historic sites like the Freedom Trail, and landmarks such as Fenway Park. It is also a leading hub for universities, medicine, and finance, anchoring the New England region.

What state is Boston in?

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts, in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It sits on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Charles River and is the most populous city in the state, anchoring a metropolitan area of several million people.

Why is Boston important in American history?

Boston was a centre of resistance before the American Revolution, home to events like the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party of 1773. Many founding figures lived there, and its early role in the fight for independence earned it the nickname the Cradle of Liberty.

Is Boston the same as Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts is a U.S. state, while Boston is the city that serves as its capital and largest urban centre. Boston lies within Massachusetts, alongside other cities such as Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge, but the two names are not interchangeable.

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial