newfoundland and labrador
C2Formal, Geographic, Political
Definition
Meaning
The easternmost province of Canada, consisting of the island of Newfoundland and a larger mainland region called Labrador.
A political and geographical entity known for its distinct culture, history, and natural resources; often used to refer to the government or people of this province.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically used as a proper noun referring to the province. Can be abbreviated as "NL" (its postal abbreviation) or informally shortened to "Newfoundland" in some contexts, though this excludes Labrador.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in British and American English as it is a proper noun for a Canadian province. Pronunciation differences exist.
Connotations
Conjures images of remote, rugged coastal landscapes, fishing heritage, and a distinct local culture and dialect.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, higher in Canadian, geographic, political, or historical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] in Newfoundland and Labrador[travel] to Newfoundland and Labrador[the] government of Newfoundland and LabradorVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to provincial regulations, economic opportunities, or resources (e.g., 'offshore oil projects in Newfoundland and Labrador').
Academic
In geography, history, or political science studies of Canada.
Everyday
When discussing travel destinations within Canada or Canadian current affairs.
Technical
In meteorological reports, maritime navigation, or geological surveys specific to the region.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- Newfoundland-and-Labrador fisheries policy
American English
- Newfoundland and Labrador heritage
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Newfoundland and Labrador is in Canada.
- I saw a map of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The capital of Newfoundland and Labrador is St. John's.
- They are going on holiday to Newfoundland and Labrador next summer.
- The economy of Newfoundland and Labrador has historically relied on fishing and natural resources.
- Newfoundland and Labrador joined Canadian Confederation in 1949.
- The provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced new investment in renewable energy projects.
- The unique dialects of Newfoundland and Labrador have been the subject of extensive linguistic research.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember it as the province with the long, compound name: **New** land was **found**, and it's next to **Labrador**, like the dog breed.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GATEWAY TO EUROPE (historically, the first point of contact for transatlantic voyages); A FORTRESS OF TRADITION (resilient, distinct culture).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'and Labrador' as 'и лабрадор' (the dog). It is a proper name for a region. The full name should be transliterated: 'Ньюфаундленд и Лабрадор'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Newfoundland' alone to mean the entire province, which can be seen as ignoring the Labrador region.
- Misspelling as 'New Foundland'.
- Pronouncing 'Labrador' with primary stress on the first syllable (as in the dog breed); the standard pronunciation for the place stresses the first syllable of 'Labrador' less strongly than in the breed.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Newfoundland and Labrador' refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While common in informal speech, the official name is 'Newfoundland and Labrador'. Using just 'Newfoundland' can be considered inaccurate or dismissive of the Labrador region.
It is typically pronounced /ˈlæb.rə.dɔːr/, with a secondary stress on 'lab' and primary stress often on the final syllable, differing slightly from the dog breed pronunciation /ˈlæb.rə.dɔːr/ which strongly stresses 'Lab'.
The capital is St. John's, located on the island of Newfoundland.
The island of Newfoundland and the coastal region of Labrador were historically administered together as a British colony. They joined Canada as a single province in 1949, and the name was officially changed to 'Newfoundland and Labrador' in 2001 to constitutionally recognize both parts.