local Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun public transport consisting of a bus or train that stops at all stations or stops
    • the local seemed to take forever to get to New York
  2. noun anesthetic that numbs a particular area of the body
    local anaesthetic; topical anesthetic; local anesthetic; topical anaesthetic.
  3. adjective relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area
    • local taxes
    • local authorities
  4. adjective of or belonging to or characteristic of a particular locality or neighborhood
    • local customs
    • local schools
    • the local citizens
    • a local point of view
    • local outbreaks of flu
    • a local bus line
  5. adjective affecting only a restricted part or area of the body
    • local anesthesia

WordNet

Lo"cal adjective
Etymology
L. localis, fr. locus place: cf. F. local. See Lieu, Locus.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to a particular place, or to a definite region or portion of space; restricted to one place or region; as, a local custom.
    Gives to airy nothing A local habitation and a name. Shak.
Lo"cal noun
Definitions
  1. (Railroad) A train which receives and deposits passengers or freight along the line of the road; a train for the accommodation of a certain district. U.S. a train or bus which stops at all stations along a line, as contrasted with an express, which stops only at certain stations designated as express stops
  2. On newspaper cant, an item of news relating to the place where the paper is published. U.S.

Webster 1913