What does metropolis mean?
A metropolis is a large city that functions as the principal urban centre of a country, region, or surrounding area. The term is often more suggestive than “city,” carrying implications of scale, influence, commercial importance, and sometimes intense or impersonal urban life. A metropolis may refer strictly to the central city or, in some contexts, to the wider metropolitan region including its suburbs. Writers commonly use it when discussing the social and cultural effects of concentrated population, economic activity, transportation, and government. For example, a description of a metropolis might emphasize its cosmopolitan character, its neighbourhoods, or the movement of people into and out of its centre. Although “city” is more neutral and suitable for general use, “metropolis” is useful when a more elevated or literary term is needed.
nounA large city regarded as the centre of a country or region, especially one regarded as important because of its size, influence, or commercial activity.
- A large city that is the principal or dominant city of a country, region, or other urban area.
- A large, influential urban centre considered as a whole, sometimes including its surrounding suburbs.
"The metropolis came alive after sunset, when commuters finally left the offices and restaurants filled with evening diners."
"Millions of people travel into the metropolis each morning."
"The novel explores the contrast between rural life and the anonymity of the metropolis."
The standard plural adds “-es.”
"The world’s great metropolises face growing pressure on their transport systems."
From the Greek for “mother city,” a metropolis literally began as the principal city around which smaller settlements were organized.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does metropolis come from?
The word comes from Greek metropolis, a compound of mētēr, meaning “mother,” and polis, meaning “city.” It originally referred to the mother city from which smaller settlements or colonies developed. Through Latin and later French, it entered English in the 16th century, initially in the sense of the capital or chief city of a country or region. Its modern sense of a very large city developed during the 19th century with the growth of major industrial urban centres.
Related word forms
How metropolis is actually used
The word is generally formal and often conveys a sense of scale, importance, or influence beyond that of an ordinary city. It is less common in everyday speech than “city,” and its use can sometimes suggest overwhelming size or complexity.
Easily confused with metropolis
A metropolis is a large city itself, whereas metropolitan is an adjective meaning associated with a large city or its surrounding urban area.