Metropolitan
/ˌmɛtrəˈpɒlɪtən/noun
Relating to a metropolis or large city, often the chief city of a region or country.
Did you know?The term 'Metropolitan' originates from the Greek 'metropolis', meaning 'mother city', which historically referred to the city from which colonies were founded.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μητρόπολις
“Mother City, the city from which colonies were established.”
Late Latin
Latin
metropolitanus
“Of or pertaining to a mother city or metropolis.”
Old French
Old French
metropolitain
“Relating to a metropolis or chief city.”
Middle English
Middle English
metropolitain
“Pertaining to a metropolis or the chief city, particularly in a religious context.”
Modern English
English
metropolitan
“Relating to a large city or urban area, especially as a center of culture or governance.”