downtown

[doun-toun]

adverb

1. to or in the main business section of a city.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or situated in the main business section of a city.

noun

1. the main business section of a city.

downtown

/ ˈdaʊnˈtaʊn /

noun

1. the central or lower part of a city, esp the main commercial area

adverb

1. towards, to, or into this area

adjective

1. of, relating to, or situated in the downtown area

   downtown Manhattan

Other Word Forms

• downtowner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of downtown¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; down ¹ + town

Example Sentences

Sanchez, who was Indianapolis ahead of an assignment to cover the Raiders-Colts game, was injured following a fight in downtown Indianapolis at around 12:30 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Bungu will take over part of a concourse at downtown’s Union Station, and the hope is to make it an annual event.

From Los Angeles Times

A lifelong Portlander, she is retired and among those who have been demonstrating at the ICE facility south of downtown.

From Los Angeles Times

Already tensions were high, with federal officials raiding a retail and distribution warehouse in downtown L.A. the day before, arresting dozens of workers and a top union official.

From Los Angeles Times

The open-air double-decker bus makes a loop around the downtown Chicago area, giving you a chance to see the sights, get familiar with the area, and take a well-deserved break.

From Salon

Related Words

• central 
• main 
• metropolitan 
• urban