market town

American  

noun

1. a town where a regularly scheduled market is held.

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market town British  

noun

1. a town that holds a market, esp an agricultural centre in a rural area

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Etymology

Origin of market town

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD, England—This redbrick northern market town isn’t exactly famed as a British political bellwether.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

Merthyr Mawr estate in Bridgend was used as the Holmes' English estate, with filming also taking place in the market town of Monmouth and at Margam Park, near Port Talbot.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

The actress who's from the West Yorkshire market town where enduring BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine was filmed jokes: "It's Holmfirth to Hollywood."

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2025

This trend appears to have become an issue in more affluent areas of Cleveland, like Yarm, a pretty market town a short drive from Stockton.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2025

I thus gave no indication of having had a disturbed night when I thanked the landlord and took my leave to explore the market town of Taunton.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro