Definition

1. Noun:
   • A very large and densely populated city, especially the principal city of a country or region: A "metropolis" is a major urban center, often the capital or the most important city in terms of population, commerce, and culture.
   • The chief see of an ecclesiastical province: In a religious context, it can refer to the seat or chief city of a metropolitan bishop.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • New York is a bustling metropolis known for its skyscrapers and cultural diversity.
  • Ancient Rome was the metropolis of a vast empire.
  • The bishop's authority extended over the churches in the metropolis and its surrounding towns.

Advanced Usage

• "The metropolis": When used with the definite article, it can specifically refer to a major, dominant city, often the capital.
  • All roads led to the metropolis.
• Concept of a "Global Metropolis": Refers to a city of international importance and influence in finance, culture, and politics.
  • London, Tokyo, and Singapore are considered global metropolises.

Variants and Related Words

• Metropolitan (adj): Relating to a metropolis.
  • The metropolitan area includes the city and its suburbs.
• Metropole (n): A term, often historical, for the parent state of a colony; the homeland.
  • The colony's policies were dictated by the metropole.

Synonyms

• City: A large town. (Note: "Metropolis" implies a much larger scale and importance.)
• Megalopolis: A very large, densely populated urban complex, often comprising several metropolises.
• Conurbation: An extended urban area, typically consisting of several towns merging with the suburbs of a central city.

Related Phrases

• "Rush hour in the metropolis": Describes the period of heavy traffic in a large city.
  • Commuting during rush hour in the metropolis can be exhausting.

Related Idioms

• "A metropolis that never sleeps": An idiom describing a large, vibrant city with activity at all hours.
  • With its 24-hour diners and nightlife, it's a metropolis that never sleeps.

Noun

1. people living in a large densely populated municipality
   • the city voted for Republicans in 1994
2. a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
   • Ancient Troy was a great city