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The Suburbs vs. the Urbs
Given that most of the common words in our language beginning sub- tend to have meanings concerned with “beneath” (as in subterranean and submarine) or “less than” (as with subpar), you would be forgiven for assuming that the suburbs were so named because of their location below, or their status as less than, their urban counterparts. Not so, however: sub- may have other meanings at the beginning of a word; in this case, it indicates not depth or inferiority, but proximity. In other words, the suburbs are a region close to the urbs.
Is urbs an English word? Yes; it is rarely used, but it refers typically to a city, particularly when distinguished from a suburb.
Examples of urban in a Sentence
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 24 June 2026
For instance, the motion would encourage using the compost on urban farms and at community gardens and city parks.
—Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Here, high rock, ocean air and the urban sweep of Barra da Tijuca below create a setting that feels at once theatrical, lush and unmistakably Brazilian.
—Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
One&Only One Za’abeel is the brand’s first foray into urban resorts, swapping sand for a skyscraper vibe—and more city hideouts are on the cards.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for urban
Cite this Entry
“Urban.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urban. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
urban
adjective
