WordGarden.ioneighborhood
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈeɪbəhˌʊd/
US
- /ˈneɪbərˌhʊd/
Meanings
Noun
a local district or residential part of a town or city
the people living in a local area, considered as a community
in mathematics, a set containing points close to a given point
Beyond the definition
A neighborhood is the part of a city or town around where you live. It includes the streets, homes, shops, parks, and the people nearby that make the area feel familiar and different from other parts of the same place. When you think of your own neighborhood, you might picture quiet streets, busy corners, or the places you pass every day. It is the world just outside your front door.
The word comes from Old English and originally referred to people living near one another. Today, it usually names a physical area, but it can also suggest the feeling of life shared by the people there. A neighborhood may feel close and friendly or quiet and private, but it is still a place where daily life happens and where people often feel they belong. It is more than a point on a map; it is part of everyday life.
A neighborhood is a geographically localized community within a larger city, town, or suburb. It is defined not only by its borders but also by shared characteristics—such as architectural style, culture, income level, or lifestyle. For instance, saying "She grew up in a tight-knit Italian neighborhood" immediately evokes images of specific traditions, local eateries, and strong social bonds between residents.
The application of "neighborhood" is remarkably flexible. It can describe a tiny cluster of homes on a single cul-de-sac or a sprawling historic district. Beyond geography, the word has a significant figurative use in English to mean "approximately" or "in the general range of." You will often hear it used with numbers, such as: "The renovation will cost in the neighborhood of five thousand dollars."
Historically, neighborhoods grew organically around hubs of industry, transport, or places of worship. In modern urban planning, they are often designed with intent, yet the "soul" of a neighborhood usually develops over time through the interactions of its inhabitants. From the quiet suburbs to the vibrant downtown core, your neighborhood shapes your daily experience. It is where memories are rooted, friendships are forged, and the local character of a city truly comes to life.
Examples
- 1
Residential area
We moved to a quiet neighborhood near the park.
- 2
Schools
There are three good schools in the neighborhood.
- 3
Children
On weekends, kids ride their bikes around the neighborhood.
- 4
Local business
A new grocery store opened in our neighborhood last month.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Older areas
Older neighborhoods often have narrower streets and bigger trees.
- 6
Community help
The whole neighborhood came out to help after the storm.
- Phrasethe whole neighborhood
the people who live nearby
- 7
Crime prevention
After several break-ins, residents started a neighborhood watch.
- Phraseneighborhood watch
local people watching for crime and reporting it
- 8
Approximation
The repairs will cost in the neighborhood of $2,000.
- Phrasein the neighborhood of
approximately
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- neighborhoodnoun
Forms
- neighborhoodspluralnoun