antigua

IPA/antˈiːɡə/
KK[æntˈiɡwə]IPA/æntˈiːɡwə/

antigua — noun

1. a tropical island in the eastern Caribbean Sea that, together with the smaller i

1.nounA2
Definition

a tropical island in the eastern Caribbean Sea that, together with the smaller island of Barbuda, forms the independent country of Antigua and Barbuda; it is known for its coral beaches, warm climate, and sailing culture.

Example

Thousands of travellers fly to Antigua each year for its beaches and warm climate.

collocation: fly to Antigua

The Antigua Sailing Week brings sailors from around the world to the island each April.

Common collocations
  • tropical island of Antigua
  • on Antigua
  • Antigua and Barbuda

Common Mistakes

I visited Antigua and Barbuda island.
I visited the country of Antigua and Barbuda, which is made up of two islands.
Antigua and Barbuda is a country name; do not add 'island' after the full country name.

2. a historic city in south-central Guatemala that served as the country's capital

2.nounB1
Definition

a historic city in south-central Guatemala that served as the country's capital until an earthquake in 1773 and is now famous for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and language schools.

Example

Élise spent a month in Antigua, Guatemala, taking Spanish classes and exploring the old streets.

collocation: in Antigua (city context)

Many travellers visit Antigua to see its brightly painted colonial churches and cobblestone squares.

Common collocations
  • in Antigua, Guatemala
  • Antigua Guatemala
  • colonial Antigua

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1 by the country name that follows: 'Antigua, Guatemala' refers to the city, while 'Antigua' alone usually refers to the Caribbean island or the country of Antigua and Barbuda.

Common Mistakes

Antigua is a beautiful city in Guatemala.' (ambiguous without context)
Antigua, Guatemala, is a beautiful colonial city.
Adding 'Guatemala' after the name prevents confusion with the Caribbean island.

Word family

  • Antiguan
    adjectiveB1
  • Antiguan
    nounB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Antigua (sense 1) refers to the main island of the two-island country of Antigua and Barbuda, a popular Caribbean destination. Barbados is a separate Caribbean island country with a more developed tourism infrastructure and a different colonial history (British, with a distinct cultural identity). St. Kitts (Saint Kitts) is part of the two-island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis — smaller than Antigua and less focused on international resort tourism. The Bahamas is a large chain of islands north of the Caribbean, offering many different destinations across its archipelago, while Antigua is a single island with a more concentrated range of attractions. Travelers choosing among them should consider whether they want a compact island experience (Antigua), a broader archipelago (the Bahamas), or a quieter, less commercialised setting (St. Kitts).

Barbados ↗St. KittsBahamasAntigua and Barbuda

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Antigua Guatemala
  • on the island of Antigua

Prepositions

Etymology

SpanishLatinEnglish

The name 'Antigua' comes from Spanish. In 1493, Christopher Columbus named the island after the Church of Santa María de la Antigua (Saint Mary of the Old) in Seville, Spain. The Spanish word 'antigua' means 'ancient' or 'old'. The Guatemalan city (founded 1543) was originally called Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala and later became known as Antigua Guatemala — 'Old Guatemala' — after the capital was moved following the 1773 earthquake.