noun
Very common
London
LUHN-duhn
London (noun) means the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England, on the River Thames, with a metropolitan population of over 13 million. Example: “They spent a week sightseeing in London.”
noun
1
The capital city of the United Kingdom and of England, on the River Thames, with a metropolitan population of over 13 million.
"They spent a week sightseeing in London."
"London is home to the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace."
2
Used to refer to the UK government or its officials.
"London has yet to respond to the trade proposal."
How to use London
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe UK's capital city, or shorthand for the British government.
Common pairings
central London
the London Underground
greater London
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Word forms
- Plural
- Londons
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They spent a week sightseeing in _____.
Etymology
From Old English Lunden, ultimately from the Roman name Londinium, whose deeper origin is uncertain but likely Celtic.
Synonyms
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the Capital
Greater London
Eine
Londongrad
Londonistan
Moscow-on-Thames
Rum-ville
the Big Smoke
the Great Wen
the Smoke
Related words
Rhymes for London
See all rhymes for London →Frequently asked questions
What does “London” mean?
The word “London” means the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England, on the River Thames, with a metropolitan population of over 13 million. In plain terms, the UK's capital city, or shorthand for the British government.
How do you pronounce “London”?
“London” is pronounced LUHN-duhn (/ˈlʌn.dən/ in IPA).
How do you use “London” in a sentence?
Here is “London” used in a sentence: “They spent a week sightseeing in London.”
What is another word for “London”?
Words with a similar meaning to “London” include Eine, Londongrad, Londonistan, Moscow-on-Thames, Rum-ville and the Big Smoke.
What part of speech is “London”?
“London” is a noun.
Where does the word “London” come from?
The word “London” comes from Old English. From Old English Lunden, ultimately from the Roman name Londinium, whose deeper origin is uncertain but likely Celtic.
Is “London” a common word?
“London” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “London” have?
“London” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England, on the River Thames, with a metropolitan population of over 13 million.
Is London the capital of England or the United Kingdom?
London is the capital of both. It serves as the capital city of England and, because England is part of the United Kingdom, of the UK as a whole. It is the seat of the British government and monarchy, home to Parliament, Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace.
What river runs through London?
The River Thames flows through the heart of London, dividing the city into north and south. It has shaped London's growth for two thousand years and is crossed by famous bridges such as Tower Bridge and London Bridge. The river was historically the city's main artery for trade and shipping.
How many people live in London?
London's metropolitan area is home to over 13 million people, making it one of the largest cities in Europe. The population is highly diverse, with hundreds of languages spoken across the city. Figures vary depending on whether you count the inner city, Greater London, or the wider commuter belt.
Why is London important?
London is a leading global centre for finance, culture, and politics. It hosts one of the world's biggest financial districts, world-famous museums and theatres, and the UK's government. As a historic capital and major transport hub, it draws millions of visitors and businesses from around the world each year.
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