newport

IPA/njˈuːpɔːt/
KK[nˈupɔrt]IPA/nˈuːpɔːrt/

newport — noun

1. the name of a historic city and seaport on the Atlantic coast of Rhode Island, U

1.nounB1
Definition

the name of a historic city and seaport on the Atlantic coast of Rhode Island, USA, widely recognised for its large, well-preserved Gilded Age mansions and its strong tradition of competitive yacht racing.

Example

The Vanderbilt family built a summer mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, with over seventy rooms.

proper noun: always capitalised in place names

Every autumn, Newport holds a folk-music festival that attracts performers from across the United States.

Grammar Patterns

the city of Newport

in Newport

Usage Note

Always capitalised because it is a proper noun. When the context does not make the location clear, add the state name (Newport, Rhode Island) to avoid confusion with other cities of the same name.

Common Mistakes

I visited newport last year.
I visited Newport last year.
Place names are always capitalised in English.
She lives in Newport, US.
She lives in Newport, Rhode Island.
Saying 'US' alone does not distinguish this Newport from other cities in the United States with the same name.

2. a city in southern Wales, United Kingdom, positioned along the River Usk and fun

2.nounB1
Definition

a city in southern Wales, United Kingdom, positioned along the River Usk and functioning as a significant commercial and transport centre for the surrounding area.

Example

Newport in South Wales has a large station with frequent trains to Cardiff.

proper noun: always capitalised in place names

The River Usk runs through Newport, and many people walk along its banks.

Grammar Patterns

the city of Newport

in Newport

Usage Note

Always capitalised. In a British context, simply saying 'Newport' is usually understood to refer to Newport, South Wales, but there is also a much smaller Newport on the Isle of Wight. Adding 'South Wales' prevents ambiguity.

Common Mistakes

The train arrived at newport station.
The train arrived at Newport station.
Proper nouns including station names must be capitalised.

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Newport is a compound of the English words 'new' and 'port', referring to a newly established harbour town. The name appears in many English-speaking regions, originally given to settlements that grew around a new trading port or docking facility. The Newport in Rhode Island was founded in 1639 and quickly became an important colonial port. The Newport in South Wales dates back to at least the 12th century, when a new castle and market town were established on the River Usk.