georgetown

IPA/ˈdʒɔːdʒ.taʊn/
KK[dʒˈɔrdʒtˌaʊn]IPA/ˈdʒɔːrdʒ.taʊn/

georgetown — noun

1. the capital city and main port of Guyana, a country on the northeastern coast of

1.nounA2
Definition

the capital city and main port of Guyana, a country on the northeastern coast of South America. Georgetown sits on the Atlantic Ocean near the mouth of the Demerara River.

Example

Heloísa flew to Georgetown, Guyana, for a conference on climate change in South America.

proper noun used with country name for clarity

Georgetown's colorful wooden houses stand on tall stilts to protect against flooding.

Common collocations
  • capital of Guyana
  • Georgetown, Guyana
  • port of Georgetown

Grammar Patterns

Georgetown + verb (singular)

Usage Note

Always capitalized as a proper noun. This sense refers to the largest city in Guyana, not to any other place called Georgetown.

Common Mistakes

I visited Georgetown last summer' (without specifying which).
I visited Georgetown, Guyana, last summer.
Because there are many places called Georgetown, adding the country name avoids confusion.

2. a historic residential and commercial neighborhood in the northwest part of Wash

2.nounB1
Definition

a historic residential and commercial neighborhood in the northwest part of Washington, D.C., along the Potomac River. Georgetown is known for its 18th-century brick buildings, high-end shops, and Georgetown University.

Example

Sivan spent Saturday afternoon browsing the bookshops in Georgetown before lunch.

collocation: in Georgetown

Georgetown University is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the United States.

Common collocations
  • Georgetown University
  • Georgetown neighborhood
  • in Georgetown
  • Georgetown waterfront
  • M Street in Georgetown

Grammar Patterns

in Georgetown

Georgetown + noun (as modifier)

Usage Note

Always capitalized. When the context is Washington, D.C., this is the most common association of the name 'Georgetown' for American readers. Do not confuse with Georgetown University — the university is located in the neighborhood, but 'Georgetown' alone can refer to the area or the university depending on context.

Common Mistakes

Georgetown is the capital of the United States.
Georgetown is a neighborhood in Washington, D.C., which is the capital.
Georgetown is not the capital itself, but a historic part of the city.

3. a city in central Texas, about forty kilometers north of Austin. Georgetown is t

3.nounB1
Definition

a city in central Texas, about forty kilometers north of Austin. Georgetown is the county seat of Williamson County and is known for its historic town square.

Example

Lakshmi found a job at the new solar panel factory in Georgetown, Texas.

collocation: in Georgetown, Texas

The Christmas celebration on Georgetown's town square draws visitors from nearby cities.

Common collocations
  • Georgetown, Texas
  • downtown Georgetown
  • Georgetown's historic square

Grammar Patterns

in Georgetown, Texas

Georgetown + noun (as modifier)

Usage Note

Always capitalized. This is a smaller city than the other places called Georgetown, so context usually includes 'Texas' for clarity. The local pronunciation stresses the first syllable: GEORGE-town.

4. the capital city and main port of the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territo

4.nounA2
Definition

the capital city and main port of the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Sea. George Town is located on the western shore of Grand Cayman Island and is a major center for banking and tourism.

Example

Asher went scuba diving off the coast of George Town during his Caribbean vacation.

collocation: off the coast of George Town

The cruise ships dock at George Town's harbor, bringing thousands of visitors each week.

Common collocations
  • George Town, Grand Cayman
  • George Town harbor
  • capital of the Cayman Islands

Grammar Patterns

in George Town

George Town + verb (singular)

Usage Note

This place is usually written as two words: 'George Town' (not 'Georgetown'), though some sources treat it as one word. Always capitalized. The Cayman Islands are a popular tax-haven and tourist destination.

Common Mistakes

George Town is in the Bahamas.
George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands and the Bahamas are two separate island territories in the Caribbean.

5. the capital city of the state of Penang in Malaysia, located on the northeastern

5.nounB1
Definition

the capital city of the state of Penang in Malaysia, located on the northeastern coast of Penang Island. George Town is a major port and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial architecture and street food.

Example

Yara walked along the waterfront in George Town, taking photos of the old colonial buildings.

collocation: in George Town

Street art in George Town includes large murals painted on walls around the city.

Common collocations
  • George Town, Penang
  • George Town port
  • George Town UNESCO site
  • street art in George Town

Grammar Patterns

in George Town

George Town, Penang

Usage Note

This city is always written as two words: 'George Town' (not 'Georgetown'). In Malaysia it is commonly referred to as 'George Town, Penang' to distinguish it from other places with the same name. It was named after King George III of Great Britain.

Word family

  • Georgetowner
    nounC1
  • Georgetownian
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three are capital cities named after British monarchs called George, but each belongs to a very different country and region. Georgetown, Guyana (South America) is the largest, with a population over 200,000, and sits on the Atlantic coast. George Town in the Cayman Islands (Caribbean) is much smaller and is famous for banking and beach tourism. George Town in Penang, Malaysia (Southeast Asia) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its multicultural heritage. A learner should always include the country or region name — for example, 'Georgetown, Guyana' — to avoid confusion. Pronunciation also differs: the Guyanese capital is pronounced 'JORJ-town' while Southeast Asian speakers often say 'JORJ-təʊn' with a clearer second syllable.

Georgetown (Guyana)George Town (Cayman Islands)George Town (Penang)

Common collocations

Nouns

  • resident of
  • visit to
  • flight to
  • streets of
  • port of

Phrases

  • move to Georgetown
  • live in Georgetown
  • travel to Georgetown
  • located in Georgetown

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The name 'Georgetown' (or 'George Town') means 'George's town' and comes from the English habit of naming settlements after kings or princes named George. Georgetown, Guyana, was named after King George III. The neighborhood in Washington, D.C., was named after King George II. Georgetown, Texas, was named after George Washington. George Town in the Cayman Islands was also named after King George III. George Town in Penang, Malaysia, was originally called 'George Town' after King George III. The name combines the English given name 'George' (from Greek 'geōrgos', meaning 'farmer') and 'town' (from Old English 'tūn', meaning 'enclosure' or 'settlement').