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

It also includes the industrial rust belt of the upper Midwest and the cowboy swagger of Texas.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 26, 2024

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

The iron- and steel-producing regions of southern and central Ukraine’s rust belt have long been an economic engine for the country, but Russia’s invasion has battered the industry and forced it onto a war footing.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2023