urban

adjective

ur·​ban ˈər-bən 

: of, relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a city

Examples of urban in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Budget-friendly movie houses known as nickelodeons became a favorite attraction for urban dwellers in the first two decades of the 20th century. —Timeka Tounsel, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

In fact almost half a million cross the border daily to go to work or school in cross-border urban regions, from San Diego-Tijuana to Detroit-Windsor. —John Fanestil, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025

The ozone action day alert applies to the Front Range urban corridor, from Douglas County south of Denver to Larimer and Weld counties north of the city, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 19 June 2025

The urban heat island effect can raise the temperatures compared to suburban or rural areas with more tree cover and green space in general. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin urbanus, from urbs city

First Known Use

circa 1634, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing urban

• anti-urban
• urban district
• urban legend
• urban planner
• urban renewal
• urban sprawl

Rhymes for urban

• turban
• interurban
• suburban

Kids Definition

urban

adjective

ur·​ban ˈər-bən 

: of, relating to, typical of, or being a city

urban life

an urban area

Biographical Definition

Urban

biographical name

Ur·​ban ˈər-bən 

name of 8 popes: especially II ( Odo ˈō-(ˌ)dō  of Lagery) circa 1035–1099 (pope 1088–99)