How Do You Spell CRAIGAVON?

Pronunciation: [kɹˈe͡ɪɡavən] (IPA)

The word "Craigavon" is pronounced as /ˌkreɪɡˈævən/. This phonetic transcription can help to understand the spelling of this word. The first sound is represented by the symbol /k/ which indicates a hard 'k' sound. The second sound /reɪg/ represents the long 'a' sound followed by the sound /v/ to represent the letter 'v'. The last syllable, /ævən/, is made up of the short 'a' sound followed by the letter 'v' and finally the phoneme /n/ representing the letter 'n'.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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CRAIGAVON Meaning and Definition

  1. Craigavon is a term that primarily refers to a new town in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Originally built in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Craigavon was designed as a planned development to accommodate the population growth in the region. The town was strategically constructed between the two existing towns of Lurgan and Portadown, with the intention of serving as a hub and linking the two areas.

    The term "Craigavon" can also be used to describe a local government district within Northern Ireland, which covers a wider geographical area than the actual town. This district includes not only the town of Craigavon but also the aforementioned towns of Lurgan and Portadown, as well as several other smaller villages and communities.

    In a broader sense, "Craigavon" can be used as a shorthand for the greater urban and suburban area that encompasses the various settlements within the Craigavon district. It refers to the physical and social infrastructure present in the region, including residential areas, commercial centers, educational institutions, recreational facilities, and transportation networks.

    Overall, the term "Craigavon" encompasses both the town itself, its surrounding districts, and the broader urban and suburban area that it represents. It is a testament to the planned development and administrative organization that sought to address the needs of the growing population and enhance the overall quality of life in the region.

Etymology of CRAIGAVON

The word "Craigavon" does not have a clear etymology as it is a relatively modern place name. It was constructed as the name of a new town in Northern Ireland in the late 20th century.

Craigavon was named after Lord James Craig, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland (1921-1940), and Viscountess Elizabeth Craigavon, his wife. The name is a combination of "Craig" (a Scottish Gaelic word meaning "rock" or "crag") and "Avon" (derived from the Welsh word "afon" meaning "river").

The town of Craigavon was designed as a planned settlement and was officially established in 1965, encompassing the towns of Lurgan and Portadown.