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

The decision follows a yearslong saga to distribute three downstate casino licenses that once involved close to a dozen contenders.

From The Wall Street Journal

In response to Friday’s approval, her office released a statement that said the governor is concerned about energy reliability and “a top priority is making sure the lights and heat stay on for all New Yorkers as we face potential energy shortages downstate as soon as next summer. We need to govern in reality.”

From Barron's

Downstate parents wondering what’s ahead are warned: It won’t be higher test scores.

From The Wall Street Journal

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