westminster

westminster — noun

1. the national parliament of the United Kingdom, consisting of the House of Common

1.名詞B2
釋義

the national parliament of the United Kingdom, consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, or the area of central London where the government buildings are located

例句

The new law was debated and passed in Westminster last week.

used as a metonym for the UK government

Tuan took a tour of Westminster and saw the famous clock tower.

同義詞
  • Parliament

    refers specifically to the legislative institution rather than the geographic area

  • Whitehall

    refers more narrowly to the UK civil service and government departments, not the parliament itself

  • the House of Commons

    the elected lower chamber only, not the full parliament including the House of Lords

用法筆記

Frequently used in news reporting as a shorthand for the UK government or parliament, similar to how 'Washington' represents the US government. The name comes from Westminster Abbey, the historic church in the area.

常見錯誤

❌Westminster Abbey is where the UK parliament meets.
✅The Houses of Parliament in Westminster is where the UK parliament meets.
💡Westminster Abbey is a separate church; the parliament meets in the nearby Palace of Westminster.
❌westminster passed a new law
✅Westminster passed a new law.
💡Always capitalise as a proper noun.

2. a borough in west central Greater London, England, that contains many famous gov

2.名詞B2
釋義

a borough in west central Greater London, England, that contains many famous government buildings, royal palaces, and cultural institutions

例句

William lives in a small flat in Westminster near the river Thames.

place name with preposition: in Westminster

Many tourists visit Westminster to see Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.

同義詞

用法筆記

The borough of Westminster is distinct from the City of London (the financial district). It covers landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.

常見錯誤

❌Westminster is the financial centre of London.
✅Westminster is the political and royal centre of London.
💡The financial centre is the City of London, not Westminster.

3. a city in Orange County, southwestern California, southeast of Los Angeles near

3.名詞B2
釋義

a city in Orange County, southwestern California, southeast of Los Angeles near Long Beach

例句

Esteban moved to Westminster, California, for the warm weather and job opportunities.

city name with state disambiguation

The school in Westminster, California, has a large playground and new science lab.

用法筆記

When writing or speaking about this city outside of California, include the state name 'California' to distinguish it from the London borough and the city in Colorado.

常見錯誤

❌Westminster is near Denver.' (when referring to the California city)
✅Westminster, California, is near Long Beach.
💡Always specify the state for US cities named Westminster.

4. a city in Jefferson and Adams Counties, north central Colorado, northwest of Den

4.名詞B2
釋義

a city in Jefferson and Adams Counties, north central Colorado, northwest of Denver

例句

Emre takes his dog for walks in the parks of Westminster, Colorado.

city name with state disambiguation

The Westminster, Colorado, police department hired new officers this year.

attributive: Westminster, Colorado, police department

用法筆記

Do not confuse Westminster, Colorado with Westminster, California. The Colorado city is roughly 10 miles northwest of Denver, while the California city is in Orange County near Los Angeles.

常見錯誤

❌Westminster, Colorado is in southern California.
✅Westminster, Colorado is northwest of Denver.
💡The two US cities named Westminster are in different states and regions.