angeles: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighFormal, Geographic, Proper Noun
Quick answer
What does “angeles” mean?
A proper noun, most commonly referring to the city of Los Angeles in California, USA. Also serves as a surname and place name in various Spanish-speaking contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun, most commonly referring to the city of Los Angeles in California, USA. Also serves as a surname and place name in various Spanish-speaking contexts.
In general English usage, primarily refers to the city. When capitalized, it is a proper noun. In non-capitalized Spanish contexts ('ángeles'), it means 'angels'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical: both refer to the US city. British English may show less familiarity with local LA abbreviations (e.g., 'LA', 'The Angels') but the referent is the same.
Connotations
American: Direct association with Hollywood, entertainment, sprawl, traffic. British: Similar connotations, but possibly with a more distant, media-informed perspective.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to domestic geographic reference.
Grammar
How to Use “angeles” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] as subject/object of sentence (e.g., 'Angeles is busy.', 'We visited Angeles.')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “angeles” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Los Angeles-based company
- The Los Angeles art scene
American English
- L.A.-style taco
- An Angeleno perspective (from resident)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the Los Angeles market, economy, or business headquarters location.
Academic
Used in geographic, urban studies, sociological, or film/media studies contexts.
Everyday
Primarily used to refer to the city as a travel destination, place of residence, or origin.
Technical
In logistics/meteorology: 'The Port of Los Angeles', 'Los Angeles Basin'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “angeles”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “angeles”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “angeles”
- Using 'Angeles' alone to mean the city in formal English (requires 'Los').
- Misspelling as 'Angels' when referring to the city.
- Treating it as a common noun (e.g., 'many angeles').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a proper noun borrowed from Spanish and integrated into English, specifically as part of the place name 'Los Angeles'.
In informal spoken contexts, especially locally, it's sometimes heard (e.g., 'I'm driving back to Angeles.'). In formal writing, 'Los Angeles' or 'LA' is standard.
It translates to 'The Angels'. The full historical name was 'El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles del Río Porciúncula' (The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of the Porciúncula River).
Yes, mainly in the first word 'Los'. British English tends to use /lɒs/ (like 'loss'), while American English uses /lɔːs/ (like 'laws'). The pronunciation of 'Angeles' is similar: /ˈæn.dʒəl.əs/ (US) or /ˈæn.dʒəl.ɪs/ (UK).
A proper noun, most commonly referring to the city of Los Angeles in California, USA. Also serves as a surname and place name in various Spanish-speaking contexts.
Angeles is usually formal, geographic, proper noun in register.
Angeles: in British English it is pronounced /lɒs ˈæn.dʒəl.ɪs/ (for 'Los Angeles'), and in American English it is pronounced /lɔːs ˈæn.dʒəl.əs/ (for 'Los Angeles'). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A star is born (in Los Angeles).”
- “It's a Hollywood ending.”
- “LA story.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'Angels' in 'The City of Angels' (a common nickname for Los Angeles).
Conceptual Metaphor
CITY IS A PERSON (e.g., 'Los Angeles never sleeps.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common referent of 'Angeles' in English?