What does "memphis" mean?
A city of ancient Egypt.
Memphis
/ˈmɛmfɪs/ name
name ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A city of ancient Egypt.
- Grammar: memphis is listed as name.
- Nearest alternatives: american city, ancient city, egyptian, egyptian capital.
- Useful contrasts: countryside, modern city, new city.
- Usage evidence: In April of 1968, Rev. King was in Memphis, Tennessee.
How to use "memphis"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "memphis" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "memphis" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "memphis" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "memphis" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "memphis" is acting as name in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "american city" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "memphis", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Proper Noun
- 1 A city of ancient Egypt.
- 2 The largest city in Tennessee, United States, and the county seat of Shelby County.
"Trump dispatched the National Guard in the nation’s capital last month and announced last week that he would utilize it next in Memphis."
- 3 The name of several towns or cities in the US.; A town in Pickens County, Alabama.
- 4 The name of several towns or cities in the US.; A census-designated place in Manatee County, Florida.
- 5 The name of several towns or cities in the US.; A census-designated place in Clark County, Indiana.
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 The name of several towns or cities in the US.; A small city in Macomb County and St. Clair County, Michigan.
- 7 The name of several towns or cities in the US.; A former village in DeSoto County, Mississippi.
- 8 The name of several towns or cities in the US.; A small city, the county seat of Scotland County, Missouri.
- 9 The name of several towns or cities in the US.; A village in Saunders County, Nebraska.
- 10 The name of several towns or cities in the US.; A hamlet in the town of Van Buren, Onondaga County, New York.
- 11 The name of several towns or cities in the US.; An unincorporated community in Clinton County, Ohio.
- 12 The name of several towns or cities in the US.; A city, the county seat of Hall County, Texas.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"In April of 1968, Rev. King was in Memphis, Tennessee."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "memphis"?
Common synonyms include: american city, ancient city, egyptian, egyptian capital, historic city, memphian.
How do you use "memphis" in a sentence?
In April of 1968, Rev. King was in Memphis, Tennessee.
How do you pronounce "memphis"?
Pronounced /ˈmɛmfɪs/.
Etymology
From Latin Memphis, from Ancient Greek Μέμφις (Mémphis), from Egyptian mn-nfr.