rust belt

American  

noun

(sometimes initial capital letters)

1. the heavily industrial area of the northeastern U.S. containing the older industries and factories.

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rust belt British  

noun

1. an area where heavy industry is in decline, esp in the Midwest of the US

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Etymology

Origin of rust belt

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

If you want to peer into a post-steel future, look at Redcar on the northeast coast - an area sometimes described as Britain's "rust belt", owing to the derelict industrial sites scattered across the landscape.

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2025

The former venture capitalist, before entering politics, had became a go-to commentator on poverty and unemployment in America’s rust belt.

From Salon • Jul. 15, 2024

Since 2002, this lavishly funded event, which puts on roughly 30 productions each summer, has lured artists and audiences to Germany’s rust belt with its robust and unexpected programming.

From New York Times • Aug. 21, 2023

Those going home varied, with the well-developed east seeing the highest percentage of 59% versus 44% in the west and 24% in the northeast rust belt.

From Reuters • Aug. 9, 2023

He later rose to be deputy Shanghai party secretary and then party secretary of the northeastern rust belt province of Liaoning.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 22, 2022