What does locality mean?
A locality is a place, neighborhood, or surrounding area, with a strong sense of geographical closeness. The phrase “in the locality” means in the nearby area, while uses such as “a rural locality” can refer to a distinct village or small settlement. The word may also describe the conditions or character associated with a place: a literary or historical work might depict the manners, dangers, or atmosphere of a particular locality. Unlike “location,” which can identify a precise point or site, “locality” generally presents an area in relation to its surroundings and inhabitants. It is useful in formal writing, geography, administration, and descriptions of communities, though the more everyday term “area” is often sufficient in casual speech. In medicine, “locality” is also used in the established phrase “locality condition” for pain or inflammation limited to one area of the body.
nounA particular place or surrounding area, especially a neighborhood or small settlement. It can also refer to the circumstances, conditions, or character associated with a place.
- A particular neighborhood, surrounding area, or small settlement.
- The circumstances, conditions, or character associated with a particular place.
- A place considered as a geographical or administrative area.
"They moved to a quiet locality just beyond the city."
"Homes in the locality are selling quickly."
"The story depicts a remote locality where old customs remain strong."
Use the plural for separate neighborhoods, settlements, or geographical areas; use the singular in the common phrase “in the locality.”
"Remote communities in the region remain isolated from nearby localities."
A location tells you where something is; a locality tells you what kind of place surrounds it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does locality come from?
The word comes through French from Latin localitas, a noun formed from localis, “of a place,” which in turn derives from locus, meaning “place.” The same Latin foundation produced words such as locale, localize, allocation, and locator. English “locality” developed in the early 17th century with meanings connected both to a particular place and to the conditions associated with it.
Related word forms
How locality is actually used
The expression “in the locality” is common in British and American English. “Locality” can be countable when referring to separate places or communities, but it is also used in the singular in phrases such as “the local community” and “the immediate locality,” especially in British English.
Easily confused with locality
A location is a particular place, position, or site, whereas a locality often emphasizes the surrounding area or community and its character.
A locale usually denotes the setting or setting-specific atmosphere of a scene or event, while a locality more often denotes a geographical area or neighborhood.