broads: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Geographical/Toponymic, occasionally colloquial
Quick answer
What does “broads” mean?
Plural of 'broad', referring to flat, extensive, low-lying wetlands, particularly associated with the Norfolk and Suffolk region of eastern England.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Plural of 'broad', referring to flat, extensive, low-lying wetlands, particularly associated with the Norfolk and Suffolk region of eastern England.
The term specifically refers to a network of rivers and lakes in Norfolk and Suffolk; colloquially, any wide, expansive area or people from the Norfolk Broads area.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'the Broads' is a recognized proper noun for a specific region. In American English, the term is largely unknown or recognized only by those familiar with British geography; 'broads' might be misinterpreted as a plural for 'broad' meaning a woman (dated slang) or a wide area.
Connotations
British: Specific geographical/tourist destination, boating, wildlife. American: Highly obscure, potentially confusing; may evoke the dated slang term.
Frequency
High frequency in UK regional context (East Anglia) and tourism; extremely low frequency in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “broads” in a Sentence
[determiner] + Broads[preposition] + the Broadsthe + Broads + of + Norfolk/SuffolkVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broads” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable as an adjective in this form]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adjective in this form]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Tourism industry: 'Broads holiday rentals are booming this summer.'
Academic
Geography/Environmental studies: 'The ecology of the Norfolk Broads is a classic study in wetland management.'
Everyday
Making holiday plans: 'We're thinking of hiring a boat on the Broads next week.'
Technical
Navigation/Hydrology: 'The Broads are a man-made system resulting from medieval peat excavations.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broads”
- Using lowercase 'broads' when referring to the specific region.
- Using a singular verb with 'the Broads' (should be plural: 'The Broads are...').
- Confusing with the general adjective 'broad'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the specific geographical area in Norfolk and Suffolk, it is a proper noun and should be capitalized: 'the Broads'.
No, it is not a generic term. It specifically refers to the man-made lakes and rivers in Norfolk and Suffolk, England. Use 'wetlands', 'marshes', or 'lakes' for other areas.
It is a plural noun. It takes a plural verb: 'The Broads are a popular destination.'
The name comes from the Old English word 'brād', meaning a broad expanse of water, which described the lakes created by medieval peat digging that later flooded.
Plural of 'broad', referring to flat, extensive, low-lying wetlands, particularly associated with the Norfolk and Suffolk region of eastern England.
Broads is usually geographical/toponymic, occasionally colloquial in register.
Broads: in British English it is pronounced /brɔːdz/, and in American English it is pronounced /brɔːdz/ or /brɑːdz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to the plural noun 'broads']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BROAD expanses of water in East Anglia - the Norfolk BROADS.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NETWORK OF VEINS (the rivers and channels connecting the broads).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common referent of the capitalized plural noun 'Broads'?