las vegas
B2Informal, formal (in geographical/tourism contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A major city in the state of Nevada, USA, known globally as a center for entertainment, gambling, luxury resorts, and conventions.
A metonym for the gambling and entertainment industry; a symbol of hedonism, risk-taking, bright lights, and extravagant spectacle.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a proper noun (toponym). Its meaning extends metaphorically to concepts of chance, glitter, and excess.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in reference. Spelling is consistent. Americans are more likely to use the shortened form 'Vegas' informally.
Connotations
Similar connotations of gambling and entertainment, though for Britons it may carry a stronger association as a distant, iconic American destination.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to domestic tourism and cultural reference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + to + Las Vegas (go/travel/fly)be + in + Las Vegasfrom + Las VegasVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”
- “roll the dice like in Vegas”
- “all that glitters is not (Las) Vegas”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to the convention and hospitality industry: 'The annual tech conference is held in Las Vegas.'
Academic
In geography, tourism studies, or urban economics: 'Las Vegas exemplifies rapid 20th-century urban development in an arid environment.'
Everyday
Discussing travel plans or entertainment: 'We're saving up for a holiday in Las Vegas.'
Technical
In aviation (as a destination code: LAS) or in gaming industry reports.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We might Vegas it up for his stag do.
- (rare/ informal derivation)
American English
- They decided to Vegas for the weekend.
adverb
British English
- The decor was done very Las Vegas.
- (informal)
American English
- He dressed Vegas for the party.
adjective
British English
- The wedding had a rather Las Vegas feel to it.
- (attributive use)
American English
- It was a classic Las Vegas wedding chapel.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Las Vegas is a big city in America.
- I see a picture of Las Vegas.
- They went to Las Vegas for a holiday.
- Las Vegas has many famous hotels and casinos.
- After getting married, they spent a long weekend in Las Vegas.
- Las Vegas is not just about gambling; it's also a major venue for concerts and shows.
- The transformation of Las Vegas from a desert stopover to a global entertainment nexus is a fascinating study in urban economics.
- His investment strategy was criticised as being akin to a Las Vegas bet—highly speculative and lacking fundamental analysis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LAS VEGAS: Lots of Amazing Shows, Very Exciting Gambling And Sights.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAS VEGAS IS A GAMBLE (life, business venture: 'Starting this startup is a bit of a Las Vegas roll of the dice.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'Вегасские луга' – it's a borrowed toponym, 'Лас-Вегас'.
- The 's' in 'Las' is pronounced /s/, not /z/.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'Lost Vegas' or 'Los Vegas'.
- Using incorrect article: 'the Las Vegas' (no 'the' unless part of a full name like 'The Las Vegas Strip').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common metaphorical use of 'Las Vegas'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It means 'The Meadows'. The city was named by Spanish explorers in the 19th century.
Yes, 'Vegas' is a very common informal shortening in American English, widely understood.
It is famous primarily for its large casino resorts, world-class entertainment, nightlife, and its location as a major convention city in the Nevada desert.
No. As a city name, it is used without an article: 'I live in Las Vegas.' NOT 'I live in the Las Vegas.'