Detroit

American  

[dih-troit] / dɪˈtrɔɪt /

noun

1. a city in SE Michigan, on the Detroit River.

2. a river in SE Michigan, flowing S from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie, forming part of the boundary between the U.S. and Canada. About 32 miles (52 km) long.

3. the U.S. automobile industry.

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Detroit British  

/ dɪˈtrɔɪt /

noun

1. a city in SE Michigan, on the Detroit River: a major Great Lakes port; largest car-manufacturing centre in the world. Pop: 911 402 (2003 est)

2. a river in central North America, flowing along the US-Canadian border from Lake St Clair to Lake Erie

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Detroit Cultural  

1. Largest city in Michigan.

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Discover More

As the center of automobile production, it is often referred to as the “Motor City” or “Motown.”

Example Sentences

She was previously a breaking corporate news reporter in New York, and got her start at the Journal as an intern in the Detroit bureau covering the auto industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

“When we think about the impact that we’ve had locally in a place like Detroit, we know that that success can be replicated in other places,” Piepszak said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

In 218 games for Detroit, Ivey averaged 14.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and four assists in 27.9 minutes a game.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Ivey was regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the NBA when he was chosen with the fifth pick of the draft by Detroit in 2022.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

“It’s Exit 81, in Auburn Hills, just before you get to Detroit, actually.”

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx