local
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈəʊkəl/
US
- /ˈloʊkəl/
Description
- nearby
- relating to an area
- regional
- from the area
- limited to one place
"Local" describes things connected to a particular place—your town, city, or region. Think of the local bakery down the street, offering fresh bread made with ingredients from nearby farms. It's about what is of that specific area, not something shipped in from far away. You might support local businesses to help your community thrive, or read a local newspaper to stay informed about happenings close to home. "Local" can also refer to people who live in a particular place—the locals often know all the best hidden gems!
The word "local" is surprisingly versatile, weaving its way into descriptions of places, businesses, and even people. At its heart, it means relating to a specific geographic area—a town, city, county, or region. It's about what is from here, connected to this place in a meaningful way.
You might visit a local farmers market brimming with produce grown just miles away, supporting the people who cultivate the land around you. Or perhaps you prefer listening to local musicians playing at a neighborhood pub—artists rooted in the community's creative spirit. "Local" businesses are often celebrated for contributing to the unique character of an area and keeping money circulating within it.
But "local" isn't just about geography. It can also describe people who live in a particular place—the locals, those who truly know the area. They're the ones with insider tips on where to find the best coffee or the most scenic hiking trails.
In more technical contexts, "local" can refer to something that is limited in scope or application—like a local anesthetic used by a dentist, affecting only a small area of the body. Or it might describe a "local variable" in computer programming, which is accessible only within a specific part of a program.
So, whether you're talking about food, music, people, or technical terms, "local" always points back to a sense of place and connection—a focus on what's happening right here, right now.
Examples
- 1
Neighborhood shops
We bought fresh bread from the local bakery.
- 2
School
The local school is looking for volunteers.
- 3
Residents
Local residents complained about the noise.
- 4
News
I watch the local news every morning.
- 5
Public transport
The train stops at several local stations before it reaches the city.
- 6
Time zones
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. local time.
Phrase
local time
the time in the place being talked about
- 7
Area resident
Ask a local if you want to find a good place to eat.
Meaning
a local
a person who lives in that area
- 8
Computer storage
Save the file to your local drive before you upload it.
Domain
local drive
storage on your own computer, not online or on another computer
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- localnounadjective
Forms
- localspluralnounadjective