1. a famous city in central Italy, on the Arno River, that is the capital of the Tu
1.nounA2
Definition
a famous city in central Italy, on the Arno River, that is the capital of the Tuscany region and is known worldwide for its art, architecture, and history during the Renaissance period.
Example
Tanvi spent a whole week exploring the museums of Florence during her spring break.
collocation: spent + time + exploring + [city]
The cathedral's famous red dome makes Florence easy to recognise from far away.
Élise took a train from Rome to Florence to see the original statue of David.
direction pattern: from [place] to Florence
Florence attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to study its Renaissance paintings.
Beatrix bought a leather journal near the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence.
collocation: in Florence + [specific landmark]
Common collocations
in Florence
to Florence
from Florence
Florence, Italy
Florence is famous for
2. a city in the northwestern part of the US state of Alabama, located on the Tenne
2.nounB2
Definition
a city in the northwestern part of the US state of Alabama, located on the Tennessee River.
Example
Tuan's uncle teaches music at the university campus in Florence, Alabama.
collocation: in Florence, [state]
Florence, Alabama sits along the Tennessee River near the border with Mississippi.
Liang drove from Birmingham to Florence for a weekend hiking trip.
Florence in Alabama holds a music festival every summer at McFarland Park.
collocation: Florence in [state] + [event]
Felipe found a cheap apartment in Florence, Alabama before starting a new hospital job.
Common collocations
Florence, Alabama
in Florence
Florence is a city in
3. a city in the northern part of the US state of Kentucky, located near the border
3.nounB2
Definition
a city in the northern part of the US state of Kentucky, located near the border with Ohio and close to Cincinnati.
Example
Zuri's family moved to Florence, Kentucky so her father could work in Cincinnati.
collocation: moved to Florence, [state]
Florence, Kentucky has several large shopping centres near the highway.
Brian drives from Florence, Kentucky across the bridge to his office in Ohio every morning.
The public library in Florence, Kentucky offers free classes for new English speakers.
collocation: in Florence, [state] + [public service]
Salma stopped at a restaurant in Florence, Kentucky on her way from Louisville to Cincinnati.
Common collocations
Florence, Kentucky
in Florence
Florence is a suburb of
4. a city in the eastern part of the US state of South Carolina.
4.nounB2
Definition
a city in the eastern part of the US state of South Carolina.
Example
Christopher took a job at the hospital in Florence, South Carolina after finishing medical school.
collocation: in Florence, [state] + [workplace]
Florence, South Carolina has a small airport with flights to Charlotte and Atlanta.
Heloísa's grandparents have lived in Florence, South Carolina for over thirty years.
The train station in Florence, South Carolina was built more than a hundred years ago.
passive: was built [time] ago in Florence
Tamás stopped for gas in Florence, South Carolina while driving to Myrtle Beach.
Common collocations
Florence, South Carolina
in Florence
Florence is a city in
Word family
Florentine
adjectiveC1
Florentine
nounC1
Firenze
nounB1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
Florence and Firenze refer to the same Italian city — Firenze is the Italian name, while Florence is the English and French form. Learners will encounter both in travel materials: English guidebooks use "Florence," but Italian train announcements and signs say "Firenze" (pronounced fee-REN-tseh). The phrase "the Renaissance capital" is a descriptive nickname rather than a place name; it emphasises the city's historical role as the birthplace of the Renaissance. In casual conversation, English speakers say "I visited Florence," while museum labels and wine bottles often read "Firenze" to signal local authenticity.
The name Florence comes from the Latin word "Florentia," meaning "flowering" or "flourishing." The Romans founded the settlement in 59 BCE and gave it this hopeful name, possibly linked to the goddess Flora or to the area's fertile landscape. Over time, "Florentia" became "Firenze" in Italian and "Florence" in English through French influence. The city's name thus connects historically to the idea of blooming and growth — fitting for a place that became a centre of cultural flowering during the Renaissance.