n.
- a built-up area with a name, defined boundaries, and local government, that is larger than a village and generally smaller than a city.
▸Brit. dated the chief city or town of a region.
- the central part of a town or city, with its business or shopping area.
- densely populated areas, especially as contrasted with the country or suburbs.
- the permanent residents of a university town. Contrasted with gown.
Phrase
- go to town
informal do something thoroughly or enthusiastically. - on the town
informal enjoying the nightlife of a city or town.
Derivative
- townish adj.
- townlet n.
- townward adj. & adv.
- townwards adv.
Etymology
OE tūn ‘enclosed piece of land, homestead, village’, of Gmc origin.
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