metro
B1Informal to neutral; formal in city planning contexts.
Definition
Meaning
An underground railway system in a city.
1. The metropolitan area of a large city. 2. A French newspaper format characterized by compact size and free distribution. 3. A prefix meaning 'large city' or 'underground', as in 'metro area' or 'metro station'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used as a shortened form of 'metropolitan railway' or 'metropolitan area'. The term carries strong urban associations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'tube' or 'underground' are more common for the transport system in London specifically. In American English, 'subway' is the dominant term, except in cities like Washington, D.C. where 'Metro' is the official name.
Connotations
UK: Often evokes European cities like Paris. US: Primarily associated with Washington D.C.'s system; can sound slightly formal or European.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English due to European travel and media influence. In US English, its use is largely confined to proper nouns (e.g., the D.C. Metro).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
take + the + metro (to + PLACE)by + metroon + the + metrometro + VERB (e.g., The metro runs every five minutes.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Metro-sexual (dated term for a man with stereotypically urban, fashionable tastes).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in urban development and real estate: 'The new office has excellent metro connectivity.'
Academic
Used in urban geography and planning studies: 'The study analysed population density near metro hubs.'
Everyday
Common in travel conversations: 'Let's take the metro to avoid the traffic.'
Technical
Used in civil engineering and transport logistics: 'The metro's signalling system was upgraded.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard) To travel by underground railway.
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard) Not used.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard usage)
American English
- (Not standard usage)
adjective
British English
- The metro map was surprisingly easy to read.
- She bought a metro-day travelcard.
American English
- The metro area has grown rapidly.
- Metro access is a key selling point for the apartment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The metro is very fast.
- The metro station is near my hotel.
- We took the metro to get to the museum.
- Is there a metro line that goes to the airport?
- Having a flat within walking distance of a metro station significantly increases its value.
- The metro was unexpectedly shut down due to a signal failure.
- The city's sprawling metro network is a testament to post-war urban planning.
- Critics argue that the new metro extension prioritises commercial districts over residential suburbs.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of METROpolitan. The METRO is the train for the METROpolis.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CITY IS A BODY, THE METRO IS ITS CIRCULATORY SYSTEM.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'metro' to mean an art museum or gallery (as 'музей' in Russian).
- Avoid using 'metro' for any large shop or supermarket (a false friend from 'метро' being associated with large underground complexes).
- Remember 'subway' is the more common generic American term.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'the metro' without 'the' in most contexts (e.g., 'I go by metro' is correct; 'I go by the metro' is also correct, but 'I go by metro' is more common).
- Capitalising it when not referring to a specific system's proper name (e.g., 'the Paris metro' vs. 'the Metro' for Washington D.C.).
Practice
Quiz
In which city is 'Metro' the official and most common name for the underground railway system?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They refer to the same concept—an urban underground railway—but the preferred term varies by region. 'Subway' is standard in American English, while 'metro' is common in British English and for many European systems.
Yes. It can be a prefix meaning 'metropolitan' (e.g., metro area) or refer to a type of free newspaper. Its primary meaning, however, is the railway system.
You almost always need the definite article 'the' when using it as a noun for the transport system (e.g., 'on the metro'). The article is omitted in prepositional phrases like 'by metro'.
'Tube' is a colloquial nickname specific to London's system, derived from the tube-shaped tunnels. 'Metro' is a more generic international term. In London, the official name is 'the Underground'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Transport
A2 · 48 words · Ways of getting from place to place.