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

However, there is still another year for that possibility, and Safford wondered about even a third — depending on the speed of the renovations downstate.

From Seattle Times • May 30, 2024

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

From Slate • Aug. 3, 2023

Back in the city, I’d worked just like Ma and Pa to bring in enough so we could move back to our farm downstate.

From "Worth" by A. LaFaye