Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The capital city of the United States of America: Washington D.C. is the federal district and seat of the U.S. government, containing the principal offices and monuments of the national government.
   • A major tourist destination: The city is known for its numerous national museums, monuments, and historical landmarks.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The President lives and works in Washington D.C.
  • We visited the Smithsonian museums during our trip to Washington D.C.
  • Washington D.C. is not part of any U.S. state.

Advanced Usage

• "inside the Beltway": A phrase referring to the political world and culture of Washington D.C., derived from the Interstate 495 highway that encircles the city.
  • That policy is popular inside the Beltway but not in the rest of the country.

Variants and Related Words

• D.C.: A common abbreviation for Washington D.C.
  • She moved to D.C. for a government job.
• The District: A colloquial name for the District of Columbia.
  • He's lived in the District for ten years.

Synonyms

• The Nation's Capital: A formal synonym emphasizing its role.
• The District of Columbia: The official federal district name.

Related Phrases

• Capital City: The city that is the official seat of government.
• Federal District: A territory that is not part of any state but is under the direct control of the national government.

Noun

1. the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791