Definition

1. Noun:
   • The administrative center of a county: A "county town" is the town or city that serves as the seat of government for a county or shire. It is typically where the main county council offices and courts are located.

Usage

• The term is used primarily in the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth countries to denote the principal town of a county.
• It functions as a noun, often used in formal, administrative, or geographical contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Winchester is the county town of Hampshire.
  • The council meeting was held in the historic county town.

Advanced Usage

• "The county town": Used to specify the primary administrative town, often in contrast to other large towns in the same county.
  • Norwich is not only the largest city but also the county town of Norfolk.

Variants and Related Words

• County seat (noun): A synonym more commonly used in the United States and some other countries for the same concept.
  • Sacramento is the county seat of Sacramento County.

Synonyms

• Administrative centre: The main town for government administration in a region.
• Shire town: An older or less common term with the same meaning, especially in historical contexts.

Related Phrases

• "To be based in the county town": To have one's main offices located in the administrative center.
  • The new police headquarters will be based in the county town.

Notes

• The concept and term "county town" are specific to certain governmental structures and may not have a direct equivalent in all countries. It is distinct from a "capital city," which is usually at a national or state/provincial level.

Noun

1. the town or city that is the seat of government for a shire