province
PROV-ihns
Province (noun) means a large administrative division of certain countries, such as Canada or China. Example: “Ontario is Canada's most populous province.”
noun
1
A large administrative division of certain countries, such as Canada or China.
"Ontario is Canada's most populous province."
"Each province in the country has its own regional government and local traditions."
"We travelled to a rural province where farming is the main way of life."
2
A particular area of responsibility, activity, or expertise.
"Deciding the budget falls outside my province."
"That question is really more the province of the legal team."
"Repairing the computers is the province of the technical support staff."
How to use province
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a major territorial division within a country, or, figuratively, someone's area of responsibility or expertise.
Common pairings
the province of
provincial government
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Word forms
- Plural
- provinces
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Ontario is Canada's most populous _____.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman province, from Latin prōvincia, likely from prō- ("forward") plus vinciō ("to bind, tie.")
Related words
Rhymes for province
See all rhymes for province →Frequently asked questions
What does “province” mean?
The word “province” means a large administrative division of certain countries, such as Canada or China. In plain terms, either a major territorial division within a country, or, figuratively, someone's area of responsibility or expertise.
How do you pronounce “province”?
“Province” is pronounced PROV-ihns (/ˈpɹɔv.ɪns/ in IPA).
How do you use “province” in a sentence?
Here is “province” used in a sentence: “Ontario is Canada's most populous province.”
What part of speech is “province”?
“Province” is a noun.
Where does the word “province” come from?
The word “province” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman province, from Latin prōvincia, likely from prō- ("forward") plus vinciō ("to bind, tie.").
Is “province” a common word?
“Province” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “province” have?
“Province” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large administrative division of certain countries, such as Canada or China.
What is the difference between a province and a state?
Both are large divisions within a country, and the choice of word depends on the nation. Countries like Canada and China use "province," while the United States, Australia and India use "state." The powers each holds vary, but functionally a Canadian province and a US state play a similar role.
What is the difference between a province and a territory?
In Canada the distinction is important. Provinces have their own powers granted directly by the constitution, while territories are administered under authority delegated by the federal government. Provinces such as Ontario are more autonomous; territories such as Yukon have historically had less independent power, though this has grown.
What are examples of provinces?
Canada has ten provinces, including Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta. China is divided into provinces such as Sichuan, Guangdong and Henan. Other countries, from South Africa to the Netherlands, use provinces too. Each is a major administrative region within the larger nation.
Which countries have provinces?
Many do. Canada, China, South Africa, the Netherlands, Argentina, Pakistan and Italy all divide their territory into provinces, among others. The word tends to appear where a country wants a large regional tier of government below the national level but above local towns and cities.
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