downtown
Americanadverb
adjective
noun
noun
adverb
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of downtown
Explanation
Downtown is the area of a city that's the busiest, with the most shops, restaurants, buildings, and pedestrians. You can usually take a bus, train, or subway to get around downtown. The widespread use of downtown probably started in New York City during the early 19th century. The original city hub was located at the southern tip of Manhattan, and as development proceeded northward, New Yorkers began to distinguish between downtown and uptown. In many cities today, downtown doesn't refer to the southern area of the city, just its heart or center.
Vocabulary lists containing downtown
Spelling Practice 1, Unit 7
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"Ballad of Birmingham" by Dudley Randall
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Thousands of Mexico fans had gathered at a watch party in the heart of downtown LA, and many spoke of their excitement and belief in this team.
From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026
She just presented “Terms of Agreement” at the Santa Monica performance space Highways after starting the rehearsal process through a CalArts-run residency at the Reef in downtown L.A.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026
Thousands of people gathered in downtown Asuncion to savor the moment -- only the second time Paraguay has won a World Cup game in the knockout stage.
From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026
“We ... will continue working to ensure downtown businesses and residents have access to convenient and reliable postal services,” Mills said in a statement.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026
She grew up a few blocks from Astor Street, and she loves the glamour of living downtown.
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
