Definition of Wall Street
: the influential financial interests of the U.S. economy
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Examples of wall street in a Sentence
After college she got a job on Wall Street.
Origin and Etymology of wall street
Wall Street, New York City, site of the New York Stock Exchange
Financial Definition of WALL STREET
Wall Street
What It Is
Wall Street is the name used to describe the place in New York City where much of the United States' financial industry is concentrated. The name "Wall Street" is also used frequently used to describe the financial services industry, generally.
How It Works
Located near the southern tip of Manhattan, Wall Street is the heart of the American finance sector. It is home to the country's two major stock exchanges, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the American Stock Exchange (AMEX). It is also home to the headquarters of numerous brokerage houses and financial institutions.
Wall Street's central role as a hub of activity affecting the American economy has led its very name -- often shortened to "the Street" -- to be synonymous with high finance, all manner of investing and general economic prosperity.
Why It Matters
In popular culture, "Wall Street" stands in contrast to "Main Street." While Wall Street is used to describe the capital markets and the financial industry, Main Street is typically used to describe the larger economy in which the vast majority of people live and work.
WALL STREET Defined for English Language Learners
Wall Street
playDefinition of Wall Street for English Language Learners
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: a street in New York City where the New York Stock Exchange and many major financial businesses are located
Learn More about wall street
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See words that rhyme with Wall Street Nglish: Translation of Wall Street for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of Wall Street for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Wall Street
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