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

Springfield, a rust belt city in south-west Ohio, is home to about 60,000 people and has seen thousands of immigrants arrive in recent years.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2024

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

On Sunday, he gathered about 100 lawmakers and a dozen cabinet colleagues in his constituency of Tourcoing, a working class town in France's northern rust belt.

From Reuters • Aug. 27, 2023

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

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