Downing Street

American  

noun

1. a street in W central London, England: cabinet office; residence of the prime minister.

2. the British prime minister and cabinet.

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Downing Street British  

/ ˈdaʊnɪŋ /

noun

1. a street in W central London, in Westminster: official residences of the British prime minister and the chancellor of the exchequer

2. informal the prime minister or the British Government

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Etymology

Origin of Downing Street

named after Sir George Downing (1623–84), English statesman

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Downing Street

The UK's top civil servant sits next to the prime minister during cabinet minister meetings, which usually take place weekly in Downing Street when Parliament is sitting.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

Last week, a Downing Street spokesperson said the transatlantic slave trade was "abhorrent" but the UK position was that it does not pay reparations.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

Government sources insist this weekend's donations are not being viewed inside Downing Street as a game-changing moment in this debate.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

Andy Burnham "fully supports the wishes of the islanders to remain a British overseas territory", a Downing Street spokesperson said.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026

She had his address—311 Canal Street—but it could have been 10 Downing Street for all it meant to her.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson