County

Definition

County is a noun that refers to a territorial division within a country, typically forming the largest local administrative unit. Counties may encompass cities, towns, or rural areas and often provide governmental functions such as law enforcement, courts, and public services.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊnti/
• Respelling: KOWN-tee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊnti/
• Respelling: KOWN-tee

Etymology

The word "county" originated from the Old French "conté," meaning "the land belonging to a count," derived from the Latin "comitatus" (companionship, jurisdiction of a count). The term was adopted into Middle English to denote a region under the control of a count or equivalent official.

Derivatives

• Counties (plural noun)
• Countywide (adjective/adverb)
• County seat (noun)
• County court (noun)
• Shire (historical term for county, noun)

Synonyms

• District
• Region
• Province

Antonyms

• City
• Nation
• None

Usage

The term "county" is widely used in administrative contexts within countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland to denote territorial divisions that provide local governance. For example, "The county provides public health services to its residents."

Related Terms

• Municipality: A town or city with its own local government.
• Province: A principal administrative division in certain countries.
• Parish: A type of administrative division used in Louisiana, similar to a county.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A territorial division within a country: Refers to an administrative region within a nation, usually larger than a city or town, with its own local government.
  • Example: "She lives in a rural area within the same county."
• The people or government of such a region: Indicates the administrative body or populace within a county.
  • Example: "The county decided to build a new library in the town."