Village

/ˈvɪl.ɪdʒ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A small community or group of houses in a rural area.
She grew up in a quaint village surrounded by mountains.
A community that is smaller than a town and often has its own local government.
The village held an annual festival to celebrate its founding.
A clustered human settlement smaller than a city.
They decided to move to a village to enjoy a quieter lifestyle.
In some countries, a village can refer to a group of families or households that come together to form a social unit.
The village worked together to build a new school for their children.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French 'village', diminutive of 'ville' meaning 'town'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

village green
A common area in a village where residents gather.
it takes a village
A saying that implies many people contribute to raising a child or community welfare.
village idiot
A term used to describe a person deemed foolish or lacking common sense in a small community.

Related Words

countryside
The rural regions outside cities; land that is not urban.
farmstead
A farm including a house, outbuildings, and land.
township
A division of land typically having its own local government.

Slang Meanings

Villager
He's just a villager trying to get by in this busy world.
Village mentality
She has a village mentality, always looking out for her neighbors.