cambridge

IPA/ˈkeɪm.brɪdʒ/
KK[kˈembrɪdʒ]IPA/ˈkeɪm.brɪdʒ/

cambridge — noun

1. a well-known town in Cambridgeshire, England, through which the River Cam flows,

1.nounB1
Definition

a well-known town in Cambridgeshire, England, through which the River Cam flows, and the location of one of the world's oldest universities, founded in 1209.

Example

Aiko spent three years studying economics at Cambridge before moving to London for work.

proper noun: Cambridge (the university)

Tourists often visit Cambridge to see the historic college buildings along the River Cam.

collocation: visit Cambridge

Common collocations
  • Cambridge University
  • at Cambridge
  • Cambridge graduate
  • apply to Cambridge
  • study at Cambridge
  • the University of Cambridge

Usage Note

Cambridge can refer either to the university or to the city itself. In phrases like 'study at Cambridge', 'go to Cambridge', or 'Cambridge graduate', it most often means the university. When referring to the physical location, phrases like 'live in Cambridge' or 'visit Cambridge' are used.

Common Mistakes

She went to Cambridge University to shop at the mall.
She went to Cambridge to tour the historic colleges.
Cambridge (UK) is not a shopping destination; it is a historic university city.

2. a place in Massachusetts, USA, separated from Boston by the Charles River, and h

2.nounB1
Definition

a place in Massachusetts, USA, separated from Boston by the Charles River, and home to the famous universities Harvard and MIT.

Example

Priya earned her PhD from MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, after completing her master's degree.

proper noun: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Harvard Yard is where students in Cambridge relax and meet between classes.

collocation: in Cambridge

Common collocations
  • Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • in Cambridge
  • Cambridge area
  • Harvard and MIT in Cambridge

Usage Note

The US city of Cambridge is smaller and less well-known globally than Cambridge, England. When speaking to an international audience, it is helpful to add 'Massachusetts' or 'Boston area' to distinguish it from the English city. In academic contexts within the US, 'Cambridge' often refers specifically to the Harvard/MIT area.

Common Mistakes

I am going to Cambridge next week' (without context — unclear which one).
I am flying to Cambridge, Massachusetts, for a conference at MIT.
Always clarify UK vs US when the context is not obvious.

Word family

  • Cantabrigian
    adjectiveC2
  • Cantabrigian
    nounC2

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • at Cambridge
  • in Cambridge
  • Cambridge University
  • go to Cambridge
  • apply to Cambridge

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The name Cambridge comes from the Old English name 'Grantebrycge', meaning 'bridge over the River Granta'. After Viking invaders arrived, the river's name gradually changed from Granta to Cam, and the town's name followed, becoming 'Cambridge' around the 10th century. The Cambridge in Massachusetts, USA, was named after the English city when English colonists settled there in the 1630s.