noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

ghetto

GEH-toh

Quiz me More like this

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.”

noun

A part of a city, historically often walled or enclosed, where a minority group — especially Jews — was forced to live.

"Thousands died in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Second World War."

A poor, run-down urban area associated with a particular ethnic or minority community.

"He grew up in a ghetto on the edge of the city."

adj

(informal, often considered offensive or slang) Cheap, low-quality, or associated with poor urban neighbourhoods.

"He called the makeshift repair job "pretty ghetto.""

How to use ghetto

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHistorically, a segregated urban district forced on a minority group; more loosely today, a poor or run-down neighbourhood.

When to use it

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.

Common pairings

Jewish ghetto inner-city ghetto

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like ghetto.

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

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: ghettos, ghettoes, ghetti
Third person singular: ghettoes
Past tense: ghettoed
Comparative: more ghetto
Superlative: most ghetto

Test yourself on “ghetto” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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

View more →

slum quarter enclave inner city tenement district

Related words

district fourth zone quarter neighborhood mercy neighbourhood poop

Rhymes for ghetto

falsetto stiletto Geppetto

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.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include ghetto:

Words that start with G Words that end with O

People also searched

district fourth zone quarter neighborhood mercy neighbourhood poop