name
Common
Detroit
dih-TROYT
Detroit (name) means a major city in Michigan, USA, historically known as the center of the American car industry. Example: “The company opened its first factory in Detroit in 1920.”
name
1
A major city in Michigan, USA, historically known as the center of the American car industry.
"The company opened its first factory in Detroit in 1920."
How to use Detroit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn American city famous for cars, music (Motown), and industrial history.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Detroit.
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?
The company opened its first factory in _____ in 1920.
Etymology
From French détroit ("strait"), referring to the Detroit River.
Synonyms
View more →
motor city
motown
Related words
Rhymes for Detroit
See all rhymes for Detroit →Frequently asked questions
What does “Detroit” mean?
The word “Detroit” means a major city in Michigan, USA, historically known as the center of the American car industry. In plain terms, an American city famous for cars, music (Motown), and industrial history.
How do you pronounce “Detroit”?
“Detroit” is pronounced dih-TROYT (/dɪˈtɹɔɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “Detroit” in a sentence?
Here is “Detroit” used in a sentence: “The company opened its first factory in Detroit in 1920.”
What part of speech is “Detroit”?
“Detroit” is a name.
Where does the word “Detroit” come from?
The word “Detroit” comes from French. From French détroit ("strait"), referring to the Detroit River.
Is “Detroit” a common word?
“Detroit” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is Detroit best known for?
Detroit is best known as the historic center of the American car industry, which earned it the nickname Motor City. Major carmakers established their operations there, shaping the city's identity and economy.
Why is Detroit called Motor City?
Detroit is called Motor City because it became the heart of the United States automobile industry, with several major car manufacturers based there. The nickname reflects the region's long association with mass car production.
What is the difference between Detroit and Michigan?
Detroit is a city, while Michigan is the U.S. state in which that city is located. Detroit is the largest city in Michigan, though it is not the state capital, which is Lansing.
What music is associated with Detroit?
Detroit is strongly associated with Motown, the influential soul and pop music style that took its name from the city's Motor City nickname. The city is also recognized as an early home of Detroit techno.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include Detroit:
