Definition

Proper noun * A city in France: Reims is a major city located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France. It is historically significant as the traditional site for the coronation of the kings of France. It also holds modern historical importance as the location where the German High Command signed the unconditional surrender to the Allies in 1945, effectively ending World War II in Europe.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The historic cathedral in Reims is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • For centuries, French monarchs were crowned in Reims.
  • The final German surrender of World War II was signed at the Supreme Headquarters in Reims.

Advanced Usage

• "The Reims surrender": A historical term referring specifically to the signing of the German Instrument of Surrender on May 7, 1945, in Reims.
  • The Reims surrender preceded the more formal ratification in Berlin.

Variants and Related Words

• Rheims: An older, alternative English spelling for Reims, now less common.
  • The Rheims version of the Bible is an important English Catholic translation.

Synonyms

• City
• Municipality

Note: As a proper noun (the name of a specific place), Reims has no true synonyms. The words above are general categories it belongs to.

Noun

1. a city in northeastern France to the east of Paris; scene of the coronation of most French kings; site of the unconditional German surrender in 1945 at the end of World War II