downtown

American  

[doun-toun] / ˈdaʊnˈtaʊn /

adverb

1. to or in the main business section of a city.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or situated in the main business section of a city.

noun

1. the main business section of a city.

downtown British  

/ ˈdaʊnˈtaʊn /

noun

1. the central or lower part of a city, esp the main commercial area

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adverb

1. towards, to, or into this area

adjective

1. of, relating to, or situated in the downtown area

   downtown Manhattan

Other Word Forms

• downtowner noun

Etymology

Origin of downtown

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; down ¹ + town

Example Sentences

On Skid Row, existing bike and pedestrian pathways would be connected through downtown L.A. to schools, health facilities and job centers.

From Los Angeles Times

Metro has announced it will open three new stations connecting downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills in May.

From Los Angeles Times

Gap displayed the Orb to spark interest among the young employees of tech and AI companies who frequent downtown San Francisco, according to a spokesman.

From The Wall Street Journal

Police are investigating a dramatic crash Tuesday where an SUV drove onto the sidewalk and barrelled into a vendor in downtown Los Angeles’ flower district, injuring six people.

From Los Angeles Times

Grandpa said, “I have to put the team in a stall and feed and water them. After that, I’ll get us a room and then we’ll go downtown and take care of my business.”

From Literature

Related Words

• central
• main
• metropolitan
• urban