Metropolis vs. Megalopolis — What's the Difference?

A metropolis () is a large city or conurbation which is a significant economic, political, and cultural center for a country or region, and an important hub for regional or international connections, commerce, and communications. The term is Ancient Greek (μητρόπολις) and means the "mother city" of a colony (in the ancient sense), that is, the city which sent out settlers.

A megalopolis (), sometimes called a megapolis; also megaregion, city cluster or supercity, is a group of two or more roughly adjacent metropolitan areas, which may be somewhat separated or may merge into a continuous urban region. The megalopolis concept has become highly influential as it introduced a new, larger scale in thinking about urban patterns and urban growth.

A major city, especially the chief city of a country or region

A very large, heavily populated city or urban complex

A city or an urban area regarded as the center of a specific activity

A very large city.

(Ecclesiastical) The chief see of a metropolitan bishop.

A region made up of several large cities and their surrounding areas in sufficient proximity to be considered a single urban complex.

The mother city or country of an overseas colony, especially in ancient Greece.

A large conurbation, where two or more large cities have sprawled outward to meet, forming something larger than a metropolis; a megacity.

The mother (founding) polis (city state) of a colony.

A chief city; a metropolis.

A large, busy city, especially as the main city in an area or country or as distinguished from surrounding rural areas.

A very large urban complex (usually involving several cities and towns)

(Orthodox Christianity) The see of a metropolitan bishop, ranking above its suffragan diocesan bishops.

(ecology) A generic focus in the distribution of plants or animals.

The mother city; the chief city of a kingdom, state, or country.

The seat, or see, of the metropolitan, or highest church dignitary.

Any large city.

A large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts;

People living in a large densely populated municipality;