What is the general word for city, town, village etc.
Is it ok to use the word 'settlement' as a generalization for city, town etc.?

Question

What is the general word for city, town, village etc.  
Is it ok to use the word 'settlement' as a generalization for city, town etc.?

Answer

No.  A settlement is a newly colonized piece of land, so settlement would not do.

Answer

Yes, Settlement can be used. It has a another meaning as the agreement between 2 parties in a legal dispute:

You could also use 'locality'.

Answer

Yes. I think the word "settlement" is the right word in this case.