name
Very common
Chicago
shih-KAH-goh
Chicago (name) means a major city in Illinois, USA, on the shore of Lake Michigan. Example: “They flew into Chicago for a long weekend of deep-dish pizza and jazz.”
name
1
A major city in Illinois, USA, on the shore of Lake Michigan.
"They flew into Chicago for a long weekend of deep-dish pizza and jazz."
"Homan, who was on the ground in Chicago, maintained it was a “criminal operation.” Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove was also in Chicago on Sunday to observe immigration enforcement operations."
— Priscilla Alvarez, Trump administration launches nationwide immigration enforcement blitz (2025)
How to use Chicago
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe third-largest city in the US, known for its skyline, deep-dish pizza, and Lake Michigan waterfront.
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Etymology
From French Chécagou, a rendering of a Native Miami word for a wild leek or onion plant that grew along the local river — making "Chicago" a distant relative of the English word "skunk."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Chicago
See all rhymes for Chicago →Frequently asked questions
What does “Chicago” mean?
The word “Chicago” means a major city in Illinois, USA, on the shore of Lake Michigan. In plain terms, the third-largest city in the US, known for its skyline, deep-dish pizza, and Lake Michigan waterfront.
How do you pronounce “Chicago”?
“Chicago” is pronounced shih-KAH-goh (/ʃɪˈkɑ.ɡoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Chicago” in a sentence?
Here is “Chicago” used in a sentence: “They flew into Chicago for a long weekend of deep-dish pizza and jazz.”
What part of speech is “Chicago”?
“Chicago” is a name.
Where does the word “Chicago” come from?
The word “Chicago” comes from French. From French Chécagou, a rendering of a Native Miami word for a wild leek or onion plant that grew along the local river — making "Chicago" a distant relative of the English word "skunk.".
Is “Chicago” a common word?
“Chicago” is a very common word in modern English.
What is Chicago known for?
Chicago is famous for its skyline and its role in inventing the skyscraper, along with landmarks like the Willis Tower and the Cloud Gate 'Bean'. It is also known for deep-dish pizza, blues and jazz, comedy and theatre, major sports teams, and its setting on Lake Michigan. Its nickname is the Windy City.
Why is Chicago called the Windy City?
The nickname is often linked to the brisk breezes off Lake Michigan, and the weather does play a part. But historians note it was also used in the nineteenth century to mock the city's boastful, long-winded politicians and promoters. Both the literal wind and the figurative 'hot air' feed the enduring nickname.
What state is Chicago in?
Chicago is in the state of Illinois, in the American Midwest, sitting on the south-western shore of Lake Michigan. It is by far the largest city in Illinois, though the state capital is Springfield, not Chicago. Nationally, it ranks as the third most populous city in the entire United States.
Is Chicago the biggest city in the USA?
No. Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States, after New York City and Los Angeles. It has long been the largest city in the Midwest and was once the nation's 'second city', a nickname that stuck even after Los Angeles overtook it in population during the twentieth century.
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