metro

en
en
Change language
Translating...
Find language
Français
French
Español
Spanish
Deutsch
German
Português
Portuguese
Русский
Russian
/ˈmɛtɹoʊ/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
A rapid-transit rail system that serves a city and its surrounding area, often running underground.

Examples

  • Architects designed a metrofriendly neighborhood.
  • Tourists often ride the metro to see the historic stations.
  • The metro includes the downtown core and surrounding suburbs.
  • A metrograph measures atmospheric pressure.
  • Planning officials are redesigning the metro's road network.

Similar words

burgh
terminal
subway
metro region
urban
metro area
halt
size
gauge
city

Meanings

Rapid transit railway system

noun
transportation
neutral
A public train network that runs mostly underground in a city and its surrounding metropolitan area.

Examples

  • She takes the metro to work every day.
  • The city announced a new metro line connecting the east side.
  • During rush hour, the metro is packed with commuters.
  • Tourists often ride the metro to see the historic stations.
  • The metro runs every five minutes after midnight.
  • Because of maintenance, the metro service was delayed.

Similar words

Combining form meaning measure

noun
technical
neutral
A prefix derived from Greek meaning "measure" that appears in words such as thermometer and metric.

Examples

  • A metrograph measures atmospheric pressure.
  • Scientists use a metrometer to gauge distance.
  • The metrology of the river shows its flow rate.
  • Engineers calibrate the device with a metroscale.
  • The textbook explains the metroic system of units.
  • She studied the metrometric properties of the crystal.

Similar words

Metropolitan area

noun
geography
neutral
A large city and its surrounding suburbs considered as a single urban region.

Examples

  • The metro includes the downtown core and surrounding suburbs.
  • Housing prices rise quickly in the metro.
  • Public transport is essential for the metro.
  • The metro population exceeds five million.
  • Planning officials are redesigning the metro's road network.
  • Tourists often explore the metro on foot.

Similar words

Subway station

noun
transportation
colloquial
A station where an underground train stops.

Examples

  • Meet me at the metro near the museum.
  • The metro was crowded with commuters this morning.
  • She waited at the metro for the next train.
  • The metro entrance has a big glass door.
  • He missed his appointment because the metro was delayed.
  • Kids love the murals inside the metro.

Similar words

Combining form meaning city

noun
linguistics
neutral
A prefix derived from Greek meaning 'city' used in words such as metropolitan.

Examples

  • The metropolitical conference focused on urban policy.
  • She studied metrology to understand city growth.
  • A metrocentric approach can improve public services.
  • The book discusses metrocultural trends.
  • Architects designed a metrofriendly neighborhood.
  • The lecture covered metroeconomic factors.

Similar words

Etymology

From French metro, a shortening of French chemin de fer métropolitain ‘metropolitan railway’, itself from Late Latin metropolitanus, derived from Greek metropolis ‘mother city’.

FAQ

What does metro mean?

It is a rapid-transit rail system that serves a city and its surrounding area, often running underground.

What is the metro as a rapid-transit railway system?

It is a public train network that runs mostly underground in a city and its surrounding metropolitan area.

What does the metro prefix mean in words like thermometer?

It is a Greek-derived prefix meaning measure, seen in words such as thermometer and metric.

What does metro refer to when talking about a metropolitan area?

It denotes a large city and its surrounding suburbs that together form a single urban region.

What is a metro station?

It is a station where an underground train stops.

What does the metro prefix mean in words like metropolitan?

It is a Greek-derived prefix meaning city, used in words such as metropolitan.

What is the plural form of metro?

The plural form is metros.

Where does the word metro come from?

It comes from French metro, a shortening of French chemin de fer metropolitan ‘metropolitan railway’, which traces back to Late Latin metropolitanus and Greek metropolis ‘mother city’.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...