name
Uncommon
Johannesburg
joh-HA-nihs-burrg
Johannesburg (name) means the largest city in South Africa, founded during the nineteenth-century gold rush. Example: “They flew into Johannesburg to begin their safari tour.”
name
1
The largest city in South Africa, founded during the nineteenth-century gold rush.
"The P39-1 is an anonymous stretch of thinly tarred highway connecting the small towns of Newcastle and Normandien in South Africa, a four-hour drive from Johannesburg."
— Pumza Fihlani, On the South African road incorrectly identified as a 'burial site' by Trump (2025)
"They flew into Johannesburg to begin their safari tour."
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They flew into _____ to begin their safari tour.
Etymology
Possibly named after Johannes Rissik or Johannes Meyer, officials involved in its founding.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Johannesburg” mean?
The word “Johannesburg” means the largest city in South Africa, founded during the nineteenth-century gold rush.
How do you pronounce “Johannesburg”?
“Johannesburg” is pronounced joh-HA-nihs-burrg (/d͡ʒoʊˈhænɪsbɜːrɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Johannesburg” in a sentence?
Here is “Johannesburg” used in a sentence: “They flew into Johannesburg to begin their safari tour.”
What part of speech is “Johannesburg”?
“Johannesburg” is a name.
Is “Johannesburg” a common word?
“Johannesburg” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is Johannesburg the capital of South Africa?
No, Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa but not its capital; South Africa has three capital cities (Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein) for different branches of government, while Johannesburg serves as the country's main economic hub.
Why is Johannesburg linked to gold?
Johannesburg was founded during the nineteenth-century gold rush, and its growth is closely tied to the discovery of gold deposits in the region, which shaped its development into South Africa's largest city.
What is the difference between Johannesburg and Cape Town?
Johannesburg is the largest city and the country's commercial and financial center, founded on gold-mining wealth, while Cape Town is a separate, older coastal city known as a legislative capital and major port. They serve different roles within South Africa rather than being interchangeable names for the same place.
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