name
Very common
Texas
TEHK-suhs
Texas (name) means a large state in the south-central United States, known for its size, oil industry, and distinct cultural identity. Example: “They drove across Texas for two days straight.”
name
1
A large state in the south-central United States, known for its size, oil industry, and distinct cultural identity.
"They drove across Texas for two days straight."
"Approximately 100 Louisville-based KFC corporate employees will relocate to Texas over the next six months."
— Jordan Valinsky, KFC is leaving Kentucky (2025)
How to use Texas
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe U.S. state of Texas.
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Word forms
- Plural
- texases
Fill the gap
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They drove across _____ for two days straight.
Etymology
Borrowed from Spanish Texas (also spelled Tejas), from a Caddo word meaning "friend" or "ally", originally used to describe the Caddo people themselves.
Synonyms
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the Lone Star State
TX
Lone Star State
Frequently asked questions
What does “Texas” mean?
The word “Texas” means a large state in the south-central United States, known for its size, oil industry, and distinct cultural identity. In plain terms, the U.S. state of Texas.
How do you pronounce “Texas”?
“Texas” is pronounced TEHK-suhs (/ˈtɛk.səs/ in IPA).
How do you use “Texas” in a sentence?
Here is “Texas” used in a sentence: “They drove across Texas for two days straight.”
What is another word for “Texas”?
Words with a similar meaning to “Texas” include Lone Star State.
What part of speech is “Texas”?
“Texas” is a name.
Where does the word “Texas” come from?
The word “Texas” comes from Spanish. Borrowed from Spanish Texas (also spelled Tejas), from a Caddo word meaning "friend" or "ally", originally used to describe the Caddo people themselves.
Is “Texas” a common word?
“Texas” is a very common word in modern English.
Why is Texas called the Lone Star State?
The nickname comes from the single star on the Texas flag and seal. It dates back to Texas's years as an independent nation, the Republic of Texas, when the lone star symbolised its self-reliance and its break from Mexico. The emblem stuck long after Texas joined the United States.
What is the capital of Texas?
The capital of Texas is Austin, not Houston or Dallas as many people assume. Houston is the largest city in the state, while Austin is the seat of government and known for its music scene and technology industry. San Antonio and Dallas are also among the biggest cities.
Is Texas the biggest state in the US?
No. Alaska is by far the largest US state by area. Texas is the second largest, which makes it the biggest of the 48 contiguous states. It is also one of the most populous, ranking second behind California, which adds to its reputation for size.
Was Texas ever its own country?
Yes. From 1836 to 1845, Texas was an independent nation called the Republic of Texas, after winning its independence from Mexico. It was later annexed by the United States to become the 28th state. This period of independence is a key part of Texan identity and pride.
What is Texas known for?
Texas is known for its sheer size, its oil and gas industry, and a strong sense of local pride and identity. It is also associated with cattle ranching, cowboys, barbecue, high-school and college football, and space exploration through NASA's mission control in Houston.
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