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

Wags are calling it the “lobstermander” because the new House District 7 extends like a crustacean with the tail in heavily Democratic northern Virginia to the body stretching downstate and branching into two claws.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

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

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

“You ask me, downstate should keep their noses out of this.”

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols