times square: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Informal (Proper noun)
Quick answer
What does “times square” mean?
A major commercial intersection and neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, famous for its massive digital billboards and vibrant, crowded atmosphere.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major commercial intersection and neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, famous for its massive digital billboards and vibrant, crowded atmosphere.
Symbol of urban energy, commercialism, tourism, and iconic New York City life; often used as a synecdoche for New York itself or for bustling commercial centers worldwide.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily an American proper noun. British speakers use it identically but less frequently in domestic conversation. The concept of a 'square' as a large open urban space is familiar, but 'Times Square' as a specific icon is American.
Connotations
For Americans: iconic, touristy, exciting, sometimes overwhelming. For British/other speakers: strongly associated with tourism, New Year's Eve, and American pop culture.
Frequency
High frequency in American media/travel contexts; medium-low in everyday British conversation unless discussing travel or global culture.
Grammar
How to Use “times square” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] + [Verb: be/located/teem with] + [Prepositional Phrase: in NYC][Subject] + [Verb: visit/avoid/cross] + Times SquareVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “times square” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The area was Times Squared after the redevelopment.
- They want to Times Square the town centre.
American English
- The plaza was Times Squared with giant screens.
- The city council voted to Times Square the main intersection.
adverb
British English
- The street was lit Times-Square bright.
- He danced Times-Square wildly.
American English
- The signs flashed Times Square bright.
- The crowd cheered Times Square loud.
adjective
British English
- It had a very Times-Square feel to it.
- The atmosphere was decidedly Times-Square-esque.
American English
- She loved the Times Square vibe.
- It was a Times Square kind of energy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referenced in tourism, advertising, real estate, and event planning contexts (e.g., 'We secured a billboard in Times Square').
Academic
Used in urban studies, sociology, or cultural papers discussing tourism, urban planning, or iconic city spaces.
Everyday
Common in travel stories, New Year's plans, or describing a very crowded, bright place.
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields outside of specific references in traffic engineering or urban light pollution studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “times square”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “times square”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “times square”
- Writing it in lowercase ('times square').
- Omitting the 's' in 'Times'.
- Using 'on Times Square' instead of 'in Times Square' for general location.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was named in 1904 after The New York Times newspaper, which moved its headquarters to the newly built Times Building on the site.
It is a major commercial intersection and public space, forming a bowtie-shaped plaza created by the crossing of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, not a geometric square.
The standard preposition is 'in' (e.g., 'We are in Times Square'). 'At' can be used for very specific points (e.g., 'meet at the TKTS booth in Times Square'). 'On' is incorrect for general location.
Yes, metaphorically. Phrases like 'the Times Square of Tokyo' or 'it's like Times Square in here' are used to describe any densely crowded, brightly lit commercial area.
A major commercial intersection and neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, famous for its massive digital billboards and vibrant, crowded atmosphere.
Times square is usually formal/informal (proper noun) in register.
Times square: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʌɪmz ˈskwɛː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtaɪmz ˈskwɛr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's like Times Square in here.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember the 'Times' from The New York Times newspaper, whose building was once located there, and 'Square' for the open space. Think: 'The *Times* newspaper made this *Square* famous.'
Conceptual Metaphor
A HEARTBEAT IS THE LIGHTS OF TIMES SQUARE (e.g., 'The city's pulse is in Times Square'); COMMERCIALISM IS BRIGHT LIGHTS.
Practice
Quiz
What is Times Square most iconically known for?