city

name

1. The City of London, the historic core of London where the Roman settlement of Londinium was established.
2. The United Kingdom's financial industries, which are principally based in the City of London.
3. The borough of Manhattan, the historic core of New York.
4. Any of several other cities in metropolitan areas (such as San Francisco).

noun

Etymology: Inherited from Middle English cite, derived from Old French cite, derived from Late Latin cīvitātem (“city”), in Classical Latin "citizenry", derived from cīvis (“fellow-citizen”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *ḱey- (“lie down; settle”). Cognate with Old English hīwan pl (“members of one's household, servants”). See hewe. Doublet of civitas. Mostly displaced native Old English burg, whence Modern English borough.

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.”

   “Ah, knovv you not the Citie fauours them, / And they haue troupes of Souldiers at their beck?”

2. A settlement granted special status by royal charter or letters patent; traditionally, a settlement with a cathedral regardless of size.

   “Manchester, incorporated in 1838, was made the centre of a bishopric in 1847 and became a city in 1853. Liverpool was transformed into a city by Royal Charter when the new diocese of Liverpool was created in 1880.”

   “St Davids itself is the smallest city in Great Britain, with a population of less than 2,000.”

3. The central business district; downtown.

   “I'm going into the city today to do some shopping.”

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

   “It’s video game city in here!”