Definition

Noun: 1. The capital and largest city of Belgium: Bruxelles is the primary city and administrative center of the Kingdom of Belgium. 2. Seat of major international institutions: Bruxelles is notably the headquarters for several key international bodies, including the main administrative centers of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Usage Examples

• As a proper noun (city):
  • We spent a weekend exploring the historic center of Bruxelles.
  • Bruxelles is known for its Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• As a geopolitical center:
  • Many important EU policies are decided in Bruxelles.
  • The NATO summit was held in Bruxelles this year.

Advanced Usage

• "Brussels" as the common English spelling: While "Bruxelles" is the French and Dutch name, the anglicized form "Brussels" is predominantly used in English-language contexts.
  • The Brussels region is officially bilingual.
• Metonymic use: The city's name is often used metonymically to refer to the institutions headquartered there.
  • Brussels issued new regulations today. (Here, "Brussels" refers to the European Commission.)

Variants and Related Words

• Brussels (noun): The standard English name for the city.
• Brussels-Capital Region (noun): The official administrative region containing the city.
• Bruxellois/Brusselaar (noun): A native or inhabitant of Brussels (from French/Dutch).

Synonyms

• Capital of Belgium: The primary synonym describing its national role.
• EU capital: A common descriptive synonym highlighting its European institutional significance.

Related Phrases

• Brussels sprout (noun): A variety of edible bud, named after the city.
  • Note: This is a compound noun where "Brussels" acts as a modifier.
• Brussels lace (noun): A type of lace historically produced in the region.

Noun

1. the capital and largest city of Belgium; seat of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization