I. ˈlōkəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English localle, from Middle French local, from Late Latin localis, from Latin locus place (from Old Latin stlocus ) + -alis -al — more at stall
1. : characterized by or relating to position in space : having a definite spatial form or location
a local body
a local heaven and hell
give to airy nothing a local habitation and a name — Shakespeare
2. : characterized by, relating to, or occupying a particular place : characteristic of or confined to a particular place : not general or widespread
local politics
a local custom
3. : relating to what is local : not broad or general
a person of local ideas
a local point of view
4. : current only in a particular section of a country — used of words or expressions whether dialect or standard (as you-all, down East, the food is all )
5.
a. : primarily serving the needs of a particular limited district, often a community or minor political subdivision
all-weather local roads
a local bus line
b. : applicable in or relating to such a district only
local transportation costs
local taxes
c. of a public conveyance : making all the stops on its run
a local train
— compare express
d. of an act, law, statute : limited in operation to only part of the territory subject to the legislative power (as a town, district, county)
6. : involving or affecting only a restricted area or portion of the organism : not general
a local ailment
local anesthesia
II. noun
( -s )
: a local person or thing
found the locals somewhat dour and unfriendly
as
a. : a local train, elevator, or other public conveyance
b. : a local or particular branch, lodge, or chapter of an organization (as a labor union or a college fraternity)
c. : a local company or team (as of ballplayers) — usually used in plural
the locals play tomorrow
d.
(1) : a newspaper story or item of interest mainly to readers who live in the town or city where the paper is published
(2) : a radio or television program sent out from one station only
e.
(1) : a stamp for paying postage within a restricted area
(2) : a carrier's stamp issued by a private carrier
(3) : a precanceled stamp precanceled in the city where it is used — compare bureau
f. Britain : a nearby or neighborhood pub
g.
(1) : local anesthesia
(2) : local anesthetic
III. transitive verb
( localed or localled ; localed or localled ; localing or localling ; locals )
Scots law : to impose as a local charge ; specifically : to assign to the landholders of a parish their individual shares in the payment of (the parish minister's stipend)