springfield

springfield — noun

1. the city in central Illinois that serves as the seat of government for the state

1.nounB1
Definition

the city in central Illinois that serves as the seat of government for the state, lying on the Sangamon River

Example

Dewi flew to Springfield to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.

Springfield became the state capital of Illinois in 1837.

capital city + state name pattern

Common collocations
  • state capital of
  • downtown Springfield
  • in Springfield

Usage Note

Often used with the preposition 'in' when referring to location (e.g., 'in Springfield').

2. a city in southwestern Massachusetts, lying along the Connecticut River

2.nounB2
Definition

a city in southwestern Massachusetts, lying along the Connecticut River

Example

Lucía moved to Springfield, Massachusetts to work at a college there.

The Basketball Hall of Fame is located in Springfield, Massachusetts.

landmark located in [city]

Common collocations
  • Springfield, Massachusetts
  • in Springfield
  • from Springfield

Usage Note

Writers often add 'Massachusetts' after the name to distinguish this city from other Springfields (e.g., 'Springfield, Massachusetts').

3. a city in southwestern Missouri, known as a regional hub for business and health

3.nounB2
Definition

a city in southwestern Missouri, known as a regional hub for business and health care

Example

Mark drove through Springfield, Missouri on his way to Branson.

The airport in Springfield, Missouri serves the whole region.

city serves as regional [facility]

Common collocations
  • Springfield, Missouri
  • near Springfield
  • Springfield area

Usage Note

Specifying 'Missouri' is important to avoid confusion with the other US cities of the same name.

4. a city in southwest central Ohio, located northeast of Dayton

4.nounB2
Definition

a city in southwest central Ohio, located northeast of Dayton

Example

Hassan grew up in Springfield, Ohio and later moved to Columbus.

The factory in Springfield, Ohio closed down last year.

event in [industry + city]

Common collocations
  • Springfield, Ohio
  • northeast of Dayton
  • in Springfield

5. a city in western Oregon, located on the Willamette River east of Eugene

5.nounB2
Definition

a city in western Oregon, located on the Willamette River east of Eugene

Example

Élise rented a small house in Springfield, Oregon near the river.

The bike trail runs along the Willamette River in Springfield, Oregon.

geographical feature along river in city

Common collocations
  • Springfield, Oregon
  • in Springfield
  • east of Eugene

Word family

  • springfieldian
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • live in Springfield
  • move to Springfield
  • visit Springfield
  • drive through Springfield

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

The place name 'Springfield' comes from the combination of 'spring' (a natural water source) and 'field' (open land), originally describing a grassy area with a spring. It is one of the most common city names in the United States, used in over thirty states.