Definition

Proper noun: * Las Vegas: A major city in the southwestern United States, located in the state of Nevada. It is the largest city in Nevada and is internationally renowned as a center for entertainment, casino gambling, luxury resorts, and nightlife.

Usage

• Las Vegas is used as the official name of the city. It is often referred to simply as "Vegas" in informal contexts.
• The name "Las Vegas" is also used metonymically to represent the city's primary industries of gambling and extravagant entertainment.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "a Las Vegas of the East": A metaphorical phrase used to describe another city or location known for similar attributes of flashy entertainment and gambling.
  • Macau is often called the Las Vegas of the East.

Variants and Related Words

• Vegas (n., informal): A common shortened form of Las Vegas.
  • He's driving to Vegas for the bachelor party.

Synonyms

• The Entertainment Capital of the World: A common nickname for Las Vegas.
• Sin City: An informal and somewhat dated nickname highlighting the city's association with vices like gambling and adult entertainment.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "All bets are off": While not exclusive to Las Vegas, this idiom originates from gambling and means that previous agreements or assumptions are no longer valid. It is strongly associated with the city's culture.
  • We had a plan, but after the new evidence, all bets are off.
• "Go all in": Another gambling term (from poker) meaning to commit all of one's resources to a venture. It is frequently used in business and personal contexts with a connection to the risk-taking spirit of Las Vegas.
  • She decided to go all in and invest her entire savings in the startup.

Noun

1. largest city in Nevada; located in southeastern Nevada; originally settled by Mormons but is now famous for entertainment and gambling and general excess