local

[ loh-kuhl ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or characterized by place or position in space; spatial.
2. pertaining to, characteristic of, or restricted to a particular place or particular places:

   a local custom.

3. pertaining to a city, town, or small district rather than an entire state or country:

   local transportation.

4. stopping at most or all stations:

   a local train.

5. pertaining to or affecting a particular part or particular parts, as of a physical system or organism:

   a local disease.

6. Medicine/Medical. (of anesthesia or an anesthetic) affecting only a particular part or area of the body, without concomitant loss of consciousness, as distinguished from general anesthesia.

noun

1. a local train, bus, etc.
2. a newspaper item of local interest.
3. a local branch of a union, fraternity, etc.
4. a local anesthetic.
5. Often locals.
   1. a local person or resident:

      primarily of interest to locals.

   2. a local athletic team:

      the locals versus the state champions.

6. stamp ( def 22 ).
7. British Informal. a neighborhood pub.

verb (used without object)

1. Informal. to travel by or take a local train or the like.

local

/ ˈləʊkəl /

adjective

1. characteristic of or associated with a particular locality or area
2. of, concerned with, or relating to a particular place or point in space
3. See systemic, general
   med of, affecting, or confined to a limited area or part Compare general systemic
4. (of a train, bus, etc) stopping at all stations or stops

noun

1. a train, bus, etc, that stops at all stations or stops
2. an inhabitant of a specified locality
3. informal.
   a pub close to one's home or place of work
4. See local anaesthetic
   med short for local anaesthetic
5. an item of local interest in a newspaper
6. a local or regional branch of an association
7. a telephone extension

Derived Forms

• ˈlocalness, noun

Other Words From

• local·ness noun
• inter·local adjective
• inter·local·ly adverb
• non·local adjective noun
• non·local·ly adverb
• super·local adjective
• super·local·ly adverb
• un·local adjective
• un·local·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of local¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Late Latin word locālis. See locus, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of local¹

C15: via Old French from Late Latin locālis, from Latin locus place, locus

Example Sentences

It’s the kind of solution that companies might need as local, state and national governments tighten emissions regulations.

From TechCrunch

Chan explains that even though you’re seeing more challenges to building a truly global company these days, there’s more space for local startups to win big.

From TechCrunch

In other markets, Spotify and Apple Music have relied on their deep pockets to compete against local challengers.

From Ozy

The Problem Solvers Caucus proposal would provide another $1,200 stimulus check, $450 in weekly enhanced unemployment benefits, and $500 billion for state and local government funding.

From Fortune

If you have a question or need a replacement ballot, call your local election office.

From ProPublica

The young men were at one point, according to eyewitnesses, apprehended by local police officers.

From The Daily Beast

Lennon casually told some DC friends about it and found there was local interest in establishing Dinner Parties.

From The Daily Beast

The U.S. campaign against ISIS leans on two pillars: conducting airstrikes, and beefing up local forces.

From The Daily Beast

Although he brings a Western spin to things, he seems equally inspired by the local sense of style.

From The Daily Beast

Speaking to a local radio station today Antonella Ramelli said the video gives her hope.

From The Daily Beast

A flightless, juvenal female was obtained by local boys at Pisté on July 21.

From Project Gutenberg

On his arrival at the local railway station he was met by his lordship in person.

From Project Gutenberg

His sister, who became Countess in her own right, was married to a local manufacturer, William Humphrys.

From Project Gutenberg

This of course must be laid to the credit of the local supporters of "the noble art of self-defence," the Brummagem bruisers.

From Project Gutenberg

No more admirable illustration can be found of the truth that the essence of defence lies in a vigorous local offence.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• resident