westminster

IPA/ˈwestmɪnstə(r)/
KK[wˌɛstmˈɪnstɚ]IPA/ˈwestmɪnstər/

westminster — noun

1. the national parliament of the United Kingdom, consisting of the House of Common

1.nounB2
Definition

the national parliament of the United Kingdom, consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, or the area of central London where the government buildings are located

Example

The new law was debated and passed in Westminster last week.

used as a metonym for the UK government

Tuan took a tour of Westminster and saw the famous clock tower.

Common collocations
  • in Westminster
  • Westminster passed
  • from Westminster
  • at Westminster
Synonyms
  • Parliament

    refers specifically to the legislative institution rather than the geographic area

  • Whitehall

    refers more narrowly to the UK civil service and government departments, not the parliament itself

  • the House of Commons

    the elected lower chamber only, not the full parliament including the House of Lords

Usage Note

Frequently used in news reporting as a shorthand for the UK government or parliament, similar to how 'Washington' represents the US government. The name comes from Westminster Abbey, the historic church in the area.

Common Mistakes

Westminster Abbey is where the UK parliament meets.
The Houses of Parliament in Westminster is where the UK parliament meets.
Westminster Abbey is a separate church; the parliament meets in the nearby Palace of Westminster.
westminster passed a new law
Westminster passed a new law.
Always capitalise as a proper noun.

2. a borough in west central Greater London, England, that contains many famous gov

2.nounB2
Definition

a borough in west central Greater London, England, that contains many famous government buildings, royal palaces, and cultural institutions

Example

William lives in a small flat in Westminster near the river Thames.

place name with preposition: in Westminster

Many tourists visit Westminster to see Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.

Common collocations
  • in Westminster
  • Westminster city council
  • the borough of Westminster
Synonyms

Usage Note

The borough of Westminster is distinct from the City of London (the financial district). It covers landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.

Common Mistakes

Westminster is the financial centre of London.
Westminster is the political and royal centre of London.
The financial centre is the City of London, not Westminster.

3. a city in Orange County, southwestern California, southeast of Los Angeles near

3.nounB2
Definition

a city in Orange County, southwestern California, southeast of Los Angeles near Long Beach

Example

Esteban moved to Westminster, California, for the warm weather and job opportunities.

city name with state disambiguation

The school in Westminster, California, has a large playground and new science lab.

Common collocations
  • in Westminster, California
  • Westminster, California, is

Usage Note

When writing or speaking about this city outside of California, include the state name 'California' to distinguish it from the London borough and the city in Colorado.

Common Mistakes

Westminster is near Denver.' (when referring to the California city)
Westminster, California, is near Long Beach.
Always specify the state for US cities named Westminster.

4. a city in Jefferson and Adams Counties, north central Colorado, northwest of Den

4.nounB2
Definition

a city in Jefferson and Adams Counties, north central Colorado, northwest of Denver

Example

Emre takes his dog for walks in the parks of Westminster, Colorado.

city name with state disambiguation

The Westminster, Colorado, police department hired new officers this year.

attributive: Westminster, Colorado, police department

Common collocations
  • in Westminster, Colorado
  • Westminster, Colorado, has

Usage Note

Do not confuse Westminster, Colorado with Westminster, California. The Colorado city is roughly 10 miles northwest of Denver, while the California city is in Orange County near Los Angeles.

Common Mistakes

Westminster, Colorado is in southern California.
Westminster, Colorado is northwest of Denver.
The two US cities named Westminster are in different states and regions.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Westminster, Parliament, and Whitehall are all related to UK government but refer to different things. Westminster is the broadest term, covering both the parliament building complex and the surrounding political district; it is often used in news headlines as a shorthand for the UK government as a whole. Parliament refers specifically to the legislative institution — the House of Commons and House of Lords — and is used when discussing law-making processes. Whitehall is more narrow, denoting the government departments and civil service that carry out policy; it is the street where many ministry buildings are located. Westminster Abbey, often confused with Westminster, is a historic church where royal coronations take place, not a government building. For example: 'Westminster passed the bill' (the government), 'Parliament debated the bill' (the legislature), 'Whitehall drafted the rules' (the civil service), and 'The ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey' (the church).

Parliament ↗Whitehall ↗Westminster Abbey

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • the Palace of Westminster
  • the City of Westminster
  • Westminster, California
  • Westminster, Colorado

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Westminster comes from Old English 'Westmynster' (west monastery), combining 'west' (west) and 'mynster' (monastery). The name originally referred to Westminster Abbey — a large church built west of the City of London. Over time, the surrounding area became known as Westminster, and later the name came to represent the UK government because of the nearby Houses of Parliament.