Downing Street
Americannoun
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a street in W central London, England: cabinet office; residence of the prime minister.
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the British prime minister and cabinet.
noun
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a street in W central London, in Westminster: official residences of the British prime minister and the chancellor of the exchequer
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informal the prime minister or the British Government
Etymology
Origin of Downing Street
named after Sir George Downing (1623–84), English statesman
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron served as an adviser and lobbied for Greensill after leaving Downing Street, work that later drew scrutiny on the sometimes blurred lines between business and politics in the U.K.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
"In Britain, we are reasonable, tolerant people," he added ahead of a meeting with Nowak's family at his official Downing Street residence.
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
The papers include messages between Lord Mandelson and ministers exchanging advice and news as well as criticism of Labour MPs, the prime minister, and the operation of his office at 10 Downing Street.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
The peer was sacked in September 2025 after Downing Street said new information about the depth of his relationship with Epstein had emerged.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
