1
a
: relating to or occurring in a particular area, city, or town
local news
a local custom
Are you making a local (telephone) call or a long-distance one?
a local newspaper
local and state roads
b
: located or living nearby
We had dinner at a local restaurant.
The police have arrested a local man for the crime.
This is a local shop for local people: we don't get many outsiders here.
2
of a bus or train
: making all the stops on a route
She took the local bus.
3
: involving or affecting only a small area of the body
a local infection
local anesthesia
plural locals
1
: a person who lives in a particular area, city, or town : a local person
—usually plural
The restaurant is popular with (the) locals.
2
: a train or bus that makes all of the stops along its route
3
US
: a local part of a labor union
He's the president of the union local at the factory.
4
British, informal
: a pub that is near the place where you live : a local pub
my mates down at the local
Cite this Entry
“Local.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/local. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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