locality

/loʊˈkælədi/

/ləʊˈkælɪti/

Other forms: localities

Use the noun locality when you need an official-sounding way to say "area" or "region." For example, you might say, "I am so pleased to finally have a doughnut shop in my locality."

You're most likely to come across the word locality in a news story or business report. It's a formal way to talk about a neighborhood or a section of town. The mayor might make a speech about crime in a particular locality, or the prevalence of potholes in another locality. The word has been in use since the 1700's, from the Latin word localis, "relating to or belonging to a place."

Definitions of locality

1. noun

   a surrounding or nearby region
   “it is a rugged locality”

   synonyms: neck of the woods, neighborhood, neighbourhood, vicinity

   examples:

   Latin Quarter

   the region of Paris on the southern bank of the Seine; a center of artistic and student life

   Montmartre

   the highest point in Paris; famous for its associations with many artists

   Right Bank

   the region of Paris on the north bank of the Seine

   Charlestown

   a former town and present-day neighborhood of Boston; settled in 1629

   types:

   gold coast

   a rich neighborhood noted for expensive homes and luxurious living; usually along a coastal area

   'hood

   (slang) a neighborhood

   place

   a general vicinity

   proximity

   the region close around a person or thing

   scenery

   the appearance of a place

   front, presence

   the immediate proximity of someone or something

   landscape

   an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view

   seascape

   a view of the sea

   type of:

   section

   a distinct region or subdivision of a territorial or political area or community or group of people