canton

1 of 2

noun (1)

can·​ton ˈkan-tᵊn How to pronounce canton (audio)
-ˌtän
: a small territorial division of a country: such as
a
: one of the states of the Swiss confederation
b
: a division of a French arrondissement
cantonal
ˈkan-tə-nəl How to pronounce canton (audio) kan-ˈtä-nᵊl How to pronounce canton (audio)
adjective

canton

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
obsolete : division, section
2
: the top inner quarter of a flag
3
: the dexter chief region of a heraldic field

Examples of canton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In most Swiss cantons, land ownership is restricted to residents of Switzerland only. — Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle French, from Italian cantone, from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron tire — more at cant entry 4

Noun (2)

Middle French, from Old Occitan, from cant edge, corner, from Latin canthus

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1522, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of canton was in 1522

Phrases Containing canton

Rhymes for canton

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Browse Nearby Words

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Canton
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Cite this Entry

“Canton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canton. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

canton

noun
can·​ton
ˈkant-ᵊn,
ˈkan-ˌtän
1
: a division of a country (as Switzerland)
2
: the top inner quarter of a flag

Geographical Definition

Canton

geographical name

Can·​ton ˈkan-tᵊn How to pronounce Canton (audio)
1
city in northeastern Ohio south-southeast of Akron population 73,007
2
see guangzhou

More from Merriam-Webster on canton

Nglish: Translation of canton for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about canton

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