noun
Uncommon
Canberra
KANB-ruh
Canberra (noun) means the capital city of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory. Example: “Canberra was purpose-built to be the national capital.”
noun
1
The capital city of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory.
"Canberra was purpose-built to be the national capital."
How to use Canberra
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAustralia's planned capital city, distinct from larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
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_____ was purpose-built to be the national capital.
Etymology
Most likely from an Aboriginal Ngunawal word, kamberra, meaning "meeting place", though the exact origin is debated.
Rhymes for Canberra
See all rhymes for Canberra →Frequently asked questions
What does “Canberra” mean?
The word “Canberra” means the capital city of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory. In plain terms, australia's planned capital city, distinct from larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
How do you pronounce “Canberra”?
“Canberra” is pronounced KANB-ruh (/ˈkænˌbɛɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Canberra” in a sentence?
Here is “Canberra” used in a sentence: “Canberra was purpose-built to be the national capital.”
What part of speech is “Canberra”?
“Canberra” is a noun.
Is “Canberra” a common word?
“Canberra” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is Canberra the capital of Australia instead of Sydney or Melbourne?
Yes, Canberra, not Sydney or Melbourne, is the capital city of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory. Despite being smaller and less well known internationally than Sydney or Melbourne, it serves as the seat of the Australian government.
Is Canberra a state or a territory?
Canberra itself is a city, and it sits within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), a federal territory rather than one of Australia's states. This is similar to how Washington, D.C. sits within a federal district separate from any U.S. state.
What is Canberra known for besides being the capital?
Canberra is primarily known as Australia's political and administrative center, home to the national parliament and many government institutions. It is a purpose-built city within the Australian Capital Territory, distinct in character from Australia's larger coastal cities.
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