Westminster
Definition
Proper noun: 1. A central London borough: Westminster is a borough within Greater London, situated on the north bank of the River Thames. It is historically and administratively significant as the location of the United Kingdom's seat of government and monarchy. 2. A metonym for the UK Parliament or government: The name "Westminster" is commonly used to refer to the UK Parliament or the British government, as its main institutions are located there.
Usage Examples
- Proper noun (Place):
- Tourists flock to Westminster to see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
- Westminster Abbey is a historic church where British monarchs are crowned.
- Proper noun (Metonym for government):
- The decision was finally made in Westminster after weeks of debate.
- This policy has been criticized by commentators in Westminster and beyond.
Advanced Usage
- "Westminster system": A democratic parliamentary system of government modelled after the politics of the United Kingdom, featuring an executive branch drawn from the legislature and a ceremonial head of state.
- Countries like Australia and Canada operate under a Westminster system.
- "Westminster bubble": A term, often critical, describing the perceived insular world of politicians, journalists, and lobbyists in London, detached from the concerns of the general public.
- Critics accused the minister of being out of touch, living in the Westminster bubble.
Variants and Related Words
- Westminster Abbey (n): A large, historic Gothic church in Westminster, the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and British monarchs.
- City of Westminster (n): The full official name of the London borough.
- Palace of Westminster (n): The building where the two Houses of Parliament (the Commons and the Lords) meet.
Synonyms
- Parliament (when used as a metonym)
- Whitehall (a nearby street name often used as a metonym for the UK civil service and government administration, distinct from but related to Westminster)
Related Phrases
- Westminster village: Similar to "Westminster bubble," referring to the close-knit community of people involved in national politics in London.
- Gossip travels fast within the Westminster village.
Noun
-
a borough of Greater London on the Thames; contains Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey
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