Shire (/ ʃ aɪər /) is a traditional term for an administrative division of land in Great Britain and some other English-speaking countries. It is generally synonymous with county (such as Cheshire and Worcestershire ).

The meaning of SHIRE is an administrative subdivision; especially : a county in England.

SHIRE definition: 1. a county, now used in combination in the names of many British counties: 2. the central rural…. Learn more.

A shire is an old term for a county in England. It is a kind of local government.

Discover everything about the word "SHIRE" in English: meanings, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one comprehensive guide.

SHIRE meaning: 1. a county, now used in combination in the names of many British counties: 2. the central rural…. Learn more.

What does the noun shire mean? There are 13 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun shire , six of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

SHIRE definition: one of the British counties | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples

Master the word "SHIRE" in English: definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource.

Jan 9, 2025 · The early history of the shire is hard to trace. Already in the ninth century it seems to have been the core administrative division within Wessex. Originally each shire was overseen by an ealdorman, who was charged with raising levies and perhaps also overseeing the local court (though the evidence is scant on the latter point).