pro·vin·cial
prə-ˈvin(t)-shəl 
1
: the superior of a province of a Roman Catholic religious order
2
: one living in or coming from a province
3
a
: a person of local or restricted interests or outlook
b
: a person lacking urban polish or refinement
1
: of, relating to, or coming from a province
2
a
: limited in outlook : narrow
b
: lacking the polish of urban society : unsophisticated
3
: of or relating to a decorative style (as in furniture) marked by simplicity, informality, and relative plainness
especially
: french provincial
Examples of provincial in a Sentence
Noun
the confidence man figured that fleecing these provincials would be easy
Adjective
She speaks with a provincial accent.
an artist who has been criticized for being provincial and old-fashioned
His provincial attitude was a source of irritation for her.
She is too provincial to try foreign foods.
Recent Examples on the Web
Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Not long after his ordination, he was named the Jesuit provincial for Argentina, which put him in charge of the order’s activities throughout the country.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Sebastian Rotella, ProPublica, 23 Apr. 2025
With the river acting as plaintiff, a provincial court halted the project, effectively upholding the Rights of Nature provision.
—India Nye Wenner, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provincial
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Noun
The same year, he was appointed as a provincial for the order.
—Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Not long after his ordination, he was named the Jesuit provincial for Argentina, which put him in charge of the order’s activities throughout the country.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Senior provincial development officials visited Gaosheng and praised its benefits for the regional economy.
—Sebastian Rotella, ProPublica, 23 Apr. 2025
With the river acting as plaintiff, a provincial court halted the project, effectively upholding the Rights of Nature provision.
—India Nye Wenner, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provincial
Cite this Entry
“Provincial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provincial. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
provincial
1 of 2 noun
pro·vin·cial
prə-ˈvin-chəl
1
: a person living in or coming from a province
2
: a provincial person
provincial
2 of 2 adjective1
: of, relating to, or coming from a province
2
a
: limited in outlook : narrow
b
: lacking the ways and manners of city people
3
: of or relating to a style (as in furniture) marked by simple design and plain decoration
a French provincial table
provinciality
noun
-ˌvin-chē-ˈal-ət-ē
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