county crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "county crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "county crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SHIRE: A traditional administrative division of a country, commonly used in the UK for counties.
6 Letters
OBLAST: A type of administrative division in some Slavic countries, often equivalent to a province or county.
CANTON: An administrative division, particularly in Switzerland and France, sometimes equivalent to a county.
7 Letters
BOROUGH: An administrative division in various countries, often a town or district within a larger county or equivalent.
8 Letters
DISTRICT: An area of a country or city, especially one regarded as a distinct unit for administrative purposes; often a sub-division of a county.
PROVINCE: A principal administrative division of certain countries or empires. Can be larger than a county but sometimes used interchangeably in a broader sense, especially in historical or general contexts.
More About "county crossword clue"
The term "county" in a crossword clue often refers to a geographical or administrative subdivision within a country. While typically associated with areas like the United Kingdom, Ireland, or the United States, the concept of a "county" or its equivalent exists worldwide in various forms. Crossword setters love to play on these variations, sometimes requiring knowledge of terms from different national administrative systems.
Understanding the context is crucial. A clue might be very specific, like "English county," pointing to answers such as DEVON or KENT. However, a general "county" clue allows for a broader range of answers, including historical terms like SHIRE, or international equivalents such as CANTON (Switzerland) or OBLAST (Russia). Always consider the letter count and any other intersecting words to pinpoint the correct solution.
The history of counties is also rich, dating back centuries to medieval divisions for administrative, judicial, or military purposes. While their roles have evolved, they remain a fundamental part of many countries' governmental structures, making them a popular and versatile subject for crossword puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Specificity: Does the "county" clue mention a specific country or region? For example, "Irish county" narrows it significantly.
- Consider Letter Count: The number of letters is your most powerful tool. Combine it with intersecting letters to eliminate many possibilities quickly.
- Think Beyond English: Crosswords often feature international terms. For "county," think about administrative divisions in other countries like Russia (OBLAST) or Switzerland (CANTON).
- Look for Synonyms and Equivalents: Sometimes, the answer isn't "county" itself, but a word meaning a similar administrative area, such as SHIRE, DISTRICT, or BOROUGH.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "county" typically refer to in crosswords?
In crosswords, "county" usually refers to a principal administrative division of a country, often found in clues relating to geography, local government, or specific regions. It can also sometimes refer to a historical or traditional area, requiring a more archaic or region-specific answer.
Are there different types of "counties" or related terms in crosswords?
Yes, crosswords frequently use synonyms or related administrative terms. Depending on the letter count and specific context, answers could include words like "shire," "borough," "district," "oblast" (for specific regions), "canton," or even broader terms like "province" or "region." The key is to consider the geographical and historical nuances.
How can I narrow down answers for a "county" clue?
To narrow down answers, first, consider the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you already have. Look for any hints in the clue about a specific country or region (e.g., "English county" or "Swiss county"), as this will drastically reduce the possibilities. If the clue is general, think of common administrative divisions across various geographies that fit the letter count.