statue of liberty: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal, Neutral, Historical
Quick answer
What does “statue of liberty” mean?
A large neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, a gift from France, symbolizing freedom and democracy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, a gift from France, symbolizing freedom and democracy.
A universal symbol of freedom, opportunity, and the American immigrant experience; often used metonymically to represent the United States or its ideals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences. The referent is uniquely American, so it is far more frequent and culturally central in American English.
Connotations
In AmE: powerful national symbol, pride, immigration, freedom. In BrE: a famous American landmark/tourist destination, with possible connotations of American culture and foreign policy.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in AmE, especially in historical, political, and cultural contexts. Moderate frequency in BrE, primarily in travel, history, or discussions of US culture.
Grammar
How to Use “statue of liberty” in a Sentence
[Subject] visited/saw/represents the Statue of Liberty.The Statue of Liberty [Verb: stands/symbolizes/was gifted].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “statue of liberty” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The monument statues liberty for all who see it.
adjective
British English
- It was a Statue-of-Liberty moment for the new arrivals.
American English
- She wore a Statue of Liberty crown for the costume party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism marketing (e.g., 'Our office has a view of the Statue of Liberty').
Academic
Used in history, political science, and American studies papers discussing symbolism, immigration, or Franco-American relations.
Everyday
Common in travel conversations and general references to New York or American culture.
Technical
Used in engineering or conservation contexts discussing its structure, materials (copper), or restoration.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “statue of liberty”
- Incorrect: 'We saw the liberty statue.' Correct: 'We saw the Statue of Liberty.'
- Incorrect article: 'a Statue of Liberty'. Correct: 'the Statue of Liberty'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, New York City, United States.
It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with its metal framework built by Gustave Eiffel.
In her right hand, she holds a torch above her head, and in her left hand, she carries a tabula ansata (a tablet) inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence.
Yes, visitors can enter the pedestal and the museum. Access to the crown requires a separate, often limited-availability ticket.
A large neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, a gift from France, symbolizing freedom and democracy.
Statue of liberty is usually formal, neutral, historical in register.
Statue of liberty: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstætʃuː əv ˈlɪbəti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstætʃuː əv ˈlɪbɚɾi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) iconic as the Statue of Liberty”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the STATUE holding a book with the date of US independence (July IV, MDCCLXXVI) to remember it's a STATUE about LIBERTY.
Conceptual Metaphor
FREEDOM IS A LIGHT (her torch); AMERICA IS A BEACON OF HOPE; IMMIGRATION IS A JOURNEY TOWARD A LIGHT/GUIDE.
Practice
Quiz
What does the Statue of Liberty primarily symbolize?