canton

The word “canton” means a political or administrative division of a country, such as one of the states of Switzerland. In plain terms, a political subdivision of a country, most famously the states of Switzerland.

“Canton” is pronounced KAN-tuhn (/ˈkæntən/ in IPA).

Here is “canton” used in a sentence: “Switzerland is made up of twenty-six cantons, each with its own local government.”

Depending on how it is used, “canton” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “canton” comes from Old French. From Middle French canton, from Old French canton, "corner.".

“Canton” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Canton” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a political or administrative division of a country, such as one of the states of Switzerland.

A canton is a specific type of administrative division, most famously used in Switzerland, where the country is divided into cantons that each have their own local government and a degree of autonomy. "State" and "province" are more general terms used in other countries for similar regional divisions, so canton is essentially Switzerland's version of a state.

Switzerland is made up of a number of cantons, each functioning as a self-governing member of the Swiss federation with its own constitution, government, and laws within the framework of national law. This structure reflects Switzerland's decentralized political system.

As a verb, to canton means either to divide a region into cantons or, in a military sense, to house troops by requisitioning lodging in a local area. This military meaning of "cantoned troops" is less common today but still appears in historical and military writing.