york

IPA/jɔːk/
KK[jˈɔrk]IPA/jɔːrk/

york — noun

1. a city in the north of England that was first built by the Romans, later settled

1.noun
Definition

a city in the north of England that was first built by the Romans, later settled by Vikings, and is now famous for its medieval buildings, especially the large cathedral called York Minster

Example

The high-speed train from London to York takes under two hours.

preposition: from [place] to York

Owen visited York Minster and walked along the old city walls.

collocation: visit York / walk along city walls

Common collocations
  • in York
  • to York
  • from York
  • visit York
  • York Minster
  • the city of York

Usage Note

York is a proper noun and always takes a capital letter. When used as a location, it usually follows a preposition such as 'in', 'to', or 'from'.

Common Mistakes

I am going to New York, England.
I am going to York, England.
York is a city in northern England; New York is a city in the United States.

2. Alvin Cullum York (1887–1964), an American soldier from Tennessee who served in

2.noun
Definition

Alvin Cullum York (1887–1964), an American soldier from Tennessee who served in World War I and was awarded the Medal of Honor for single-handedly capturing over 130 German soldiers. His life story was made into a famous Hollywood film.

Example

Alvin York received the Medal of Honor for his bravery in World War I.

collocation: receive the Medal of Honor

The 1941 film Sergeant York made Alvin York a household name in the United States.

Common collocations
  • Sergeant York
  • Alvin York
  • York's actions

Word family

  • Yorkshire
    noun
  • New York
    nounA2
  • Yorkist
    noun

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • the city of York
  • the University of York
  • York Minster
  • York city walls

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld EnglishOld NorseNorman FrenchEnglish

The city's name comes from the Latin Eboracum, which the Romans used for the settlement they built around 71 CE. The Anglo-Saxons adapted it to Eoforwīc, and the Vikings later changed it to Jórvík. After the Norman Conquest, the name gradually shifted through forms like Yerk and York in Middle English. The surname York, and therefore Alvin York's family name, traces back to people who came from this city.