Etymology, English, City

Etymology

From Middle English city, citie, citee, cite, from Old French cité, from Latin cīvitās (“citizenry; community; a city with its hinterland”), from cīvis (“native; townsman; citizen”), from Proto-Indo-European *ḱey- (“to lie down, settle; home, family; love; beloved”).

Cognate with Old English hīwan pl (“members of one’s household, servants”). See hewe. Doublet of civitas.

Displaced native Middle English burgh, borough (“fortified town; incorporated city”) and sted, stede (“place, stead; city”).

Alternative forms

• citie, cittie, cyte, cytee (obsolete)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈsɪti/
• (Northern England) IPA^(key): /sɪtɪ/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈsɪɾi/

Noun

city (plural cities)

1. A large settlement, bigger than a town; sometimes with a specific legal definition, depending on the place.

   São Paulo is the largest city in South America.

2. (Britain) A settlement granted special status by royal charter or letters patent; traditionally, a settlement with a cathedral regardless of size.
3. (Australia) The central business district; downtown.

   I’m going into the city today to do some shopping.

4. (slang) A large amount of something (used after the noun).

   It’s video game city in here!