vegas

IPA/ˌlæs ˈveɪ.ɡəs/
KK[vˈeɡəs]IPA/ˌlɑːs ˈveɪ.ɡəs/

vegas — noun

1. the short, informal name for Las Vegas, a city in the state of Nevada in the sou

1.nounB1
Definition

the short, informal name for Las Vegas, a city in the state of Nevada in the southwestern United States, famous for its large casinos, live shows, luxury hotels, and 24-hour nightlife.

Example

Jude and Élise flew to Vegas for their wedding anniversary.

fly to Vegas — common travel collocation

The Vegas hotel where Anjali stayed had three swimming pools and a rooftop bar.

Common collocations
  • fly to Vegas
  • visit Vegas
  • go to Vegas
  • Vegas Strip
  • Vegas hotel
  • Vegas show
  • Vegas casino
  • trip to Vegas
Synonyms
  • Las Vegas

    the full, formal name of the city; preferred in official documents and writing

  • Sin City

    a well-known nickname highlighting the city's casinos and adult entertainment; more informal than Vegas

Grammar Patterns

used without article in informal context

Usage Note

Vegas is used in everyday conversation and travel contexts. In formal writing, use the full name Las Vegas instead.

Common Mistakes

I went to the Vegas last summer.
I went to Vegas last summer.
Vegas as a city name does not take the definite article.

Word family

  • Las Vegas
    nounB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three refer to the same city in Nevada, USA, but differ in formality and connotation. Las Vegas is the official name and is appropriate in all contexts — travel guides, news reports, formal documents. Vegas is an informal short form commonly used in everyday conversation, advertisements, and casual writing. Sin City is a dramatic nickname that emphasises the city's reputation for gambling, nightlife, and adult entertainment; it appears in headlines, film titles, and marketing but carries a very informal, almost sensational tone. In learner writing, use Las Vegas for essays and reports, and Vegas for informal conversation.

Vegas ↗Las VegasSin City

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • fly to Vegas
  • go to Vegas
  • visit Vegas
  • live in Vegas
  • move to Vegas

Prepositions

Etymology

SpanishEnglish

Vegas is a shortened form of Las Vegas, which comes from Spanish 'las vegas' meaning 'the meadows'. The name was given by Spanish explorers in the early 1800s because the area had grassy plains fed by underground water. The city was officially founded in 1905 and later became famous worldwide for its casinos and entertainment industry. The clipped form 'Vegas' became common in American English during the mid-1900s.