ghetto
Ghetto (noun) means a part of a city, historically often walled or enclosed, where a minority group — especially Jews — was forced to live. Example: “Thousands died in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Second World War.”
How to use ghetto
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHistorically, a segregated urban district forced on a minority group; more loosely today, a poor or run-down neighbourhood.
Using "ghetto" as a casual adjective for anything cheap or low-quality can come across as disrespectful given the word's history — use with care.
Word forms
more ghetto comparative, ghettoed past tense, ghettos plural, ghettoes plural, ghetti plural, ghettoes singular, most ghetto superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Thousands died in the Warsaw _____ during the Second World War.
Etymology
From the name of the Venetian Ghetto, the segregated Jewish quarter of Venice; the word's exact origin is disputed.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ghetto
See all rhymes for ghetto →Frequently asked questions
What does “ghetto” mean?
The word “ghetto” means a part of a city, historically often walled or enclosed, where a minority group — especially Jews — was forced to live. In plain terms, historically, a segregated urban district forced on a minority group; more loosely today, a poor or run-down neighbourhood.
How do you pronounce “ghetto”?
“Ghetto” is pronounced GEH-toh (/ˈɡɛ.toʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ghetto” in a sentence?
Here is “ghetto” used in a sentence: “Thousands died in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Second World War.”
What part of speech is “ghetto”?
Depending on how it is used, “ghetto” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “ghetto” a common word?
“Ghetto” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ghetto” have?
“Ghetto” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a part of a city, historically often walled or enclosed, where a minority group — especially Jews — was forced to live.
What is the difference between a "ghetto" and a "slum"?
A "slum" generally refers to any poor, overcrowded urban area regardless of its residents' background. "Ghetto" carries a more specific historical association, originally referring to a walled or enclosed part of a city where a minority group, especially Jews, was forced to live, and later extending to poor urban areas linked to a particular ethnic or minority community.
What did "ghetto" originally refer to historically?
The word originally referred to a part of a city, historically often walled or enclosed, where a minority group — especially Jewish communities — was forced to live.
Is using "ghetto" as an adjective considered offensive?
Yes, when used informally as an adjective to mean cheap, low-quality, or associated with poor urban neighborhoods, "ghetto" is often considered offensive or slang, so it is best avoided in formal or careful writing.
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