proper noun
Common
Spain
spayn
Spain (proper noun) means a country in southern Europe occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula, with Madrid as its capital. Example: “They spent their honeymoon touring Spain by train.”
proper noun
1
A country in southern Europe occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula, with Madrid as its capital.
"They spent their honeymoon touring Spain by train."
How to use Spain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe European country whose capital is Madrid.
Common pairings
live in Spain
northern Spain
a trip to Spain
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Etymology
From Middle English Spayne, from Anglo-Norman Espayne, ultimately from Latin Hispania.
Synonyms
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España
Kingdom of Spain
Rhymes for Spain
See all rhymes for Spain →Frequently asked questions
What does “Spain” mean?
The word “Spain” means a country in southern Europe occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula, with Madrid as its capital. In plain terms, the European country whose capital is Madrid.
How do you pronounce “Spain”?
“Spain” is pronounced spayn (/speɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Spain” in a sentence?
Here is “Spain” used in a sentence: “They spent their honeymoon touring Spain by train.”
What part of speech is “Spain”?
“Spain” is a proper noun.
Where does the word “Spain” come from?
The word “Spain” comes from Latin. From Middle English Spayne, from Anglo-Norman Espayne, ultimately from Latin Hispania.
Is “Spain” a common word?
“Spain” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the capital of Spain?
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, located centrally on the Iberian Peninsula. It serves as the country's political, financial, and cultural hub, home to the royal palace, the national government, and world-renowned museums such as the Prado. Barcelona is another major city but is not the capital.
What language is spoken in Spain?
The official national language is Spanish, also called Castilian, spoken across the whole country. Several regions have co-official languages too: Catalan in Catalonia and Valencia, Galician in Galicia, and Basque in the Basque Country. Spanish itself is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
What is Spain known for?
Spain is famous for flamenco music and dance, tapas cuisine, and a relaxed lifestyle that includes the traditional siesta. It is renowned for football, sunny Mediterranean beaches, and striking architecture, from the Alhambra to Gaudí's works in Barcelona. Its history spans Roman, Moorish, and imperial influences.
What continent is Spain in?
Spain is in Europe, specifically southwestern Europe, where it occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula alongside Portugal. It also includes the Canary Islands off northwest Africa and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean. The Pyrenees mountains form its northern border with France.
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