Citydom

/ˈsɪtidəm/ noun

Definition

The realm, domain, or collective world of cities and urban areas; the state of being a city or belonging to city life.

Etymology

Compound of city and the suffix -dom (Old English dom, from Germanic roots meaning 'domain,' 'judgment,' 'condition'). Similar to kingdom, dukedom, and Christendom, it treats 'city' as a dominion or sphere.

Kelly Says

The suffix '-dom' originally meant 'judgment' in Old English, so citydom literally means 'the judgment/rule of cities'—it's a poetic way of saying cities have their own laws and ways, distinct from countryside rule.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.