Definition

Proper noun 1. A city, the capital of the U.S. state of New York: A city located in eastern New York State on the west bank of the Hudson River. 2. A city in southwest Georgia, USA: A town known as a processing center for peanuts and pecans.

Usage Examples

• As the capital of New York:
  • The state legislature meets in Albany every year.
  • She moved to Albany for a government job.
• As a city in Georgia:
  • The peanut festival is a major event in Albany, Georgia.
  • The agricultural economy of Albany relies heavily on nut processing.

Advanced Usage

• The name "Albany" is often used metonymically to refer to the state government of New York.
  • The new policy was announced from Albany this afternoon. (Meaning: announced by the New York state government).

Variants and Related Words

• Albany County: The county in New York which contains the city of Albany.
• Albany Pine Bush: A unique inland pine barrens ecosystem preserve located in Albany, New York.

Different Meanings

This word is primarily a proper noun referring to specific places. The two most common referents are distinct cities in the United States. Context (state name or surrounding information) is always required to determine which city is meant.

Synonyms

• Capital city (for Albany, New York): seat of government, state capital.
• Municipality, city, town (general terms for both).

Related Phrases

• Albany Plan of Union (1754): A historical proposal by Benjamin Franklin to create a unified government for the American colonies, debated in Albany, New York.
• Albany Movement: A civil rights coalition formed in Albany, Georgia, in 1961.

Noun

1. a town in southwest Georgia; processing center for peanuts and pecans
2. state capital of New York; located in eastern New York State on the west bank of the Hudson river