Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A major coastal city in the U.S. state of Virginia: Virginia Beach is the most populous city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Historically, its development was slower than the neighboring port city of Norfolk, but it has experienced significant growth since the 1970s. Its economy is significantly supported by tourism, largely due to its extensive public beaches. The city is also an important location for military installations.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Our family vacationed in Virginia Beach last summer.
  • The naval operations are based out of Virginia Beach.
  • Tourism in Virginia Beach peaks during the summer months.

Advanced Usage

• Used attributively to describe things originating from or related to the city.
  • The Virginia Beach tourism board launched a new campaign.
  • She follows a Virginia Beach-based photographer on social media.

Variants and Related Words

• Virginia Beach is a compound proper noun. There are no standard variants. Related terms include:
  • Hampton Roads: The metropolitan region which includes Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and other cities.
  • Norfolk: The neighboring city historically more prominent than Virginia Beach.

Synonyms

• Coastal city (general term, not a direct synonym).
• Resort city (descriptive term highlighting its tourist function).

Related Phrases

• "The Virginia Beach oceanfront": Specifically refers to the popular beach and boardwalk area.
  • The hotel is located right on the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
• "Virginia Beach Boardwalk": A famous promenade along the beach.
  • We rode bikes along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

Related Information

• The definition notes key characteristics: its size within Virginia, historical context compared to Norfolk, post-1970 growth, the importance of tourism linked to 28 miles of public beaches, and the presence of three United States Navy bases.

Noun

1. the largest city in Virginia; long overshadowed by Norfolk but growing rapidly since 1970; with 28 miles of public beaches tourism is a major factor in the economy; site of three United States Navy bases