noun
Uncommon
township
TOWN-shihp
Township (noun) means a small administrative division of a county or district, often rural. Example: “The township holds its budget meeting every spring.”
noun
1
A small administrative division of a county or district, often rural.
"The township holds its budget meeting every spring."
"Several small townships were merged into a single municipality."
"Residents of the township voted to repair the old bridge on the main road."
2
In South Africa, an underdeveloped urban area that was historically set aside for non-white residents under apartheid.
"The tour included a visit to a township outside Cape Town."
"She grew up in a township where neighbours shared almost everything."
"Many families in the township still wait for reliable running water and electricity."
How to use township
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small local government area, or (in South Africa) a segregated urban district from the apartheid era.
UK vs US
In the US and Canada it usually just means a small local government subdivision; in South Africa it has a specific, historically loaded meaning.
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Word forms
- Plural
- townships
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The _____ holds its budget meeting every spring.
Etymology
From Old English tunscipe, "the people of a town," built from town plus the suffix -ship (meaning "state" or "condition").
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “township” mean?
The word “township” means a small administrative division of a county or district, often rural. In plain terms, a small local government area, or (in South Africa) a segregated urban district from the apartheid era.
How do you pronounce “township”?
“Township” is pronounced TOWN-shihp (/ˈtaʊnʃɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “township” in a sentence?
Here is “township” used in a sentence: “The township holds its budget meeting every spring.”
What part of speech is “township”?
“Township” is a noun.
Where does the word “township” come from?
The word “township” comes from Old English. From Old English tunscipe, "the people of a town," built from town plus the suffix -ship (meaning "state" or "condition").
Is “township” a common word?
“Township” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “township” have?
“Township” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small administrative division of a county or district, often rural.
What is the difference between a "township" and a "town"?
A "town" is a populated place, larger than a village, where people live and work. A "township" is usually an administrative division, a unit of local organisation that may cover several settlements and rural land. So a town is a place, while a township is more often a governing area.
How does the meaning of "township" differ in South Africa?
In most countries a township is a rural or suburban administrative district. In South Africa, "township" specifically refers to an underdeveloped urban area that was historically set aside for non-white residents under apartheid. The South African sense carries strong historical and social meaning.
What is the difference between a "township" and a "municipality"?
A "municipality" is a formally incorporated local-government unit, such as a city or town, with its own council and powers. A "township" is often a smaller or more rural subdivision, and in some systems it sits within a larger municipality or county. The exact relationship depends on the country's system of government.
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