region

noun re·gion \ ˈrē-jən \

|Updated on: 9 Jun 2018

Definition of region

1 : an administrative area, division, or district; especially : the basic administrative unit for local government in Scotland

2 a : an indefinite area of the world or universe

b : a broad geographic area distinguished by similar features

c (1) : a major world area that supports a characteristic fauna

(2) : an area characterized by the prevalence of one or more vegetational climax types

3 a : any of the major subdivisions into which the body or one of its parts is divisible

b : an indefinite area surrounding a specified body part

a pain in the region of the heart

4 : a sphere of activity or interest : field

5 : any of the zones into which the atmosphere is divided according to height or the sea according to depth

6 : an open connected set together with none, some, or all of the points on its boundary

a simple closed curve divides a plane into two regions

See region defined for English-language learners

See region defined for kids

Examples of region in a Sentence

The bird returns to this region every year.
He's the company sales manager for the entire Southwest region.
She has a pain in the lower back region.
attempts to go outside of London and stimulate cultural life in the regions

Recent Examples of region from the Web

Other schools and colleges in the region have taken vastly different steps when faced with concerns about asbestos.

— wendy ruderman, Philly.com, "New test: 10.7 million asbestos fibers on floor at Philadelphia elementary school," 6 June 2018
This historical and tourist town is also one of the main arrival hubs in the region for Syrian refugees.

— allie morris, Houston Chronicle, "Report: An estimated 4.3 million Texan workers don’t have access to paid sick leave," 5 June 2018
According to the team, the grizzly discovery is likely linked to ancient Goth invasion in the region.

— National Geographic, "Burned Skeletons Are Rare Remains of Ancient Goth Invasion," 5 June 2018
The foodie scene has been enhanced by such eateries as The Waterfront Grill, which emphasizes local and independent vendors with an emphasis on sustainability, and Beach Bistro, consistently awarded the highest Zagat ratings in the region.

— clifford pugh, San Antonio Express-News, "Anna Maria Island a time capsule of simpler times in Florida," 5 June 2018
The Mets had the highest pick of the three teams in the region, and at No.

— dom amore, courant.com, "UConn's Tim Cate Goes To The Nationals In 2nd Round Of MLB Draft," 5 June 2018
Bertucci’s has shuttered some of its lowest-performing restaurants in the last few weeks and currently operates 59 restaurants in the region.

— janelle nanos, BostonGlobe.com, "Bertucci’s has been bought by Planet Hollywood owner," 5 June 2018
Key to the study is a 3.7 earthquake in the region in 2016, about 10 miles below the surface.

— alex demarban, Anchorage Daily News, "‘Tantalizing’ clues could lead to earthquake forecasts, UAF researchers say," 5 June 2018
High-quality ore from the new pit will be blended with lower-grade material dug up from Fortescue’s existing mines in the region.

— rhiannon hoyle, WSJ, "Mining Companies Pivot to Producing Higher-Grade Ore to Satisfy China’s Steel Mills," 4 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'region.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of region

Middle English regioun, from Anglo-French regiun, from Latin region-, regio line, direction, area, from regere to direct

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

region Synonyms

Synonyms

area, demesne, field, zone;

Related Words

corner, section;

locale, locality, location, locus, place, point, position, site, space, spot;

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

REGION Defined for English Language Learners

region

noun

Definition of region for English Language Learners

: a part of a country, of the world, etc., that is different or separate from other parts in some way
: a place on your body : an area that is near a specified part of your body
the regions : the parts of a country that are not close to the capital city