st. johns: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal in geographical/administrative contexts.
Quick answer
What does “st. johns” mean?
The capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Also refers to various other places named after Saint John the Baptist or Saint John the Evangelist, most notably the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, and institutions such as St John's College at Oxford and Cambridge universities. When referring to the city in Canada, it is often associated with its harbour, colourful houses, and being the oldest English-founded city in North America.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK speakers are more likely to refer to St John's College at Oxford or Cambridge. US speakers are more likely to refer to St. John's University in New York. Both are familiar with the Canadian city, but awareness is higher in Canada and the UK due to historical ties.
Connotations
In a UK context, often connotes academia (Oxbridge colleges). In a US context, may connote the university or the Caribbean destination. In a Canadian context, strongly connotes the historic East Coast city.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in geographical, historical, and academic texts. Low frequency in everyday conversation outside relevant regions.
Grammar
How to Use “st. johns” in a Sentence
Located in [St. John's]Travel to [St. John's][St. John's] is famous for...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “st. johns” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The St. John's-based company expanded its operations.
- We studied St. John's history.
American English
- The St. John's style architecture is unique.
- He has a St. John's address.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referenced in contexts of offshore oil, fisheries, and shipping related to Eastern Canada.
Academic
Appears in historical, geographical, and maritime studies.
Everyday
Used in travel planning and discussions about Canadian cities.
Technical
Used in meteorological reports (e.g., 'St. John's weather') and navigation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “st. johns”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “st. johns”
- Misspelling as 'St Johns' (without apostrophe).
- Confusing it with other St. John's locations (e.g., in Antigua).
- Incorrect stress on 'John's' (should be on 'John').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is essential: St. John's. It indicates the possessive form (i.e., belonging to St. John).
St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. Saint John (without an apostrophe 's') is a city in New Brunswick, Canada.
In British English, it's /sənt ˈdʒɒnz/. In American English, it's /seɪnt ˈdʒɑːnz/. The 's' at the end is pronounced as a /z/.
Yes, it can refer to the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, St John's College at Oxford and Cambridge, or various other churches, schools, and hospitals named after Saint John.
The capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
St. johns is usually neutral to formal in geographical/administrative contexts. in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the colourful houses on a hill by the sea – 'St. John's' sounds like 'Saint's jewels', which fits its colourful, historic charm.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GATEWAY (to North America, to the Atlantic).
Practice
Quiz
What is St. John's best known for in a Canadian context?