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Definition of whitby
whitby
/ˈwɪt.bi/
Whit · by
whitby Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
8
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
British A historic seaside town and port in North Yorkshire, England, situated at the mouth of the River Esk, famous for its ruined medieval abbey, maritime heritage, and literary association with Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Example
"During our trip to the Yorkshire coast, we climbed the famous 199 steps leading up to the ruins of Whitby Abbey."
2
Canadian A town in the Durham Region of Southern Ontario, Canada, located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario.
Example
"Many professionals who work in downtown Toronto commute daily from their homes in Whitby."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old Norse 'Hvítabýr', meaning 'white settlement' or 'Hviti's settlement', combining 'hvítr' (white) or the personal name 'Hviti' with 'býr' (farmstead, village).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Whitby. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/whitby