downstate

noun

down·​state ˈdau̇n-ˌstāt How to pronounce downstate (audio)
: the chiefly southerly sections of a state
also : the chiefly rural part of a state when the major metropolitan area is to the north
downstate adjective or adverb
downstater noun

Examples of downstate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What will bargaining for the common good look like in downstate Joppa, where an IFT affiliate represents local teachers? The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025 Glastonbury, the No. 32 seed, pulled a string of upsets and earned attention, but the Bobcats (23-4) knocked off downstate heavyweights Greenwich, Fairfield Prep, Naugatuck and Norwalk to get to the final. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2025 Electric utilities and their customers across the country are navigating similar supply cost issues, including Ameren in downstate Illinois, where monthly bills are expected to spike 18% to 20% this summer. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025 Four downstate and suburban Senate Democrats voted against the spending plan: Sens. Christopher Belt of Swansea, Suzy Glowiak Hilton of Western Springs, Mike Halpin of Rock Island and Doris Turner of Springfield. Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for downstate

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downstate was in 1905

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Cite this Entry

“Downstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downstate. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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