downstate

American  

[doun-steyt, doun-steyt] / ˈdaʊnˈsteɪt, ˈdaʊnˌsteɪt /

noun

1. the southern part of a U.S. state.

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adjective

1. located in or characteristic of this part.

   The downstate precincts reported early.

adverb

1. in, to, or into the downstate area.

   We're going downstate for the holidays.

downstate British  

/ ˈdaʊnˌsteɪt /

adjective

1. in, or relating to the part of the state away from large cities, esp the southern part

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adverb

1. towards the southern part of a state

noun

1. the southern part of a state

Other Word Forms

• downstater
  noun

Etymology

Origin of downstate

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; down ¹ + state

Example Sentences

The competitors were vying for up to three downstate casino licenses, all of which now look set to be awarded.

From Barron's • Dec. 1, 2025

The three remaining contenders for New York’s downstate casino licenses submitted supplemental applications to the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board on Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 15, 2025

Given how much Lukas talks about his next crop of horses, he undoubtedly will show interest in yearlings born in 2023 for the Belmont’s downstate return.

From Seattle Times • May 19, 2024

The downstate suburbs became trapped in a vicious cycle of population decline and increased property taxes.

From Slate • Aug. 3, 2023

The huge demand for inmate labor kept the prison overfull, while Clinton prison, far from downstate markets, was partly empty.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover