What does manhattan mean?
Manhattan is a borough in southeastern New York City, one of the five boroughs that comprise the city. It is a densely populated urban area known for its iconic skyscrapers, Broadway shows, and vibrant cultural scene. The term 'Manhattan' can also refer to the island on which the borough is located, or be used informally to refer to New York City as a whole. The borough of Manhattan is a hub for finance, media, art, and entertainment, and is home to many of the city's most famous landmarks, including Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.
A borough in New York City
"The Empire State Building is located in Manhattan."
A cocktail made with whiskey, vermouth, and bitters
"The bartender served a Manhattan over ice."
This sense is often capitalized.
The plural form is used when referring to multiple cocktails or boroughs.
"The bartender mixed a round of Manhattans for the party."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of manhattan
The name 'Manhattan' is derived from the Lenape word 'Mannahatta', which means 'island of many hills'. The Dutch established a settlement on the island in 1624, which they named 'New Amsterdam'. In 1664, the English took control of the colony and renamed it 'New York', after the Duke of York. The borough of Manhattan was officially established in 1898, when the five boroughs of New York City were consolidated into a single city.
How manhattan is actually used
Manhattan can refer to the borough or the island it occupies. In informal contexts, it may also refer to New York City as a whole.