townspeople

American  

[tounz-pee-puhl] / ˈtaʊnzˌpi pəl /

plural noun

1. the inhabitants or citizenry of a town.

2. people person who were raised in a town or city.

---

townspeople British  

/ ˈtaʊnzˌpiːpəl, ˈtaʊnzˌfəʊk /

noun

1. the inhabitants of a town; citizens

---

Etymology

Origin of townspeople

First recorded in 1640–50; town + 's ¹ + people

Example Sentences

Both feel socially ill at ease up against “the townspeople of Pennacook,” another refrain.

From The Wall Street Journal

Around midnight on April 18, 1775, Revere was ordered to ride to Lexington, Mass., and warn the townspeople that British soldiers, who were quartered in Boston, were ready to head their way.

From Salon

His appearance even encourages introspection among the townspeople.

From Salon

He says that the people of Bamban had taken a chance by electing Guo, but that she had good connections to Chinese investors and had delivered on all her promises to the townspeople.

From BBC

The police have registered seven cases against 100 people since the protests began, but the townspeople continue to raise concerns about industrial pollution at smaller community meetings.

From BBC