inner city

noun

Synonyms of inner citynext
: the usually older, poorer, and more densely populated central section of a city
inner-city adjective

Examples of inner city in a Sentence

The mayor is trying to attract new businesses to the inner city.
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.
Additionally, cockroaches cause allergic reactions in people who live in the inner cities or southern parts of the United States. Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026 Cockroaches cause allergic reactions in people who live in the inner cities or southern parts of the United States. Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2026 The National Rainbow Coalition opposed Reagan's policies to reduce domestic government spending, and fought for economic investment outside inner cities to better conditions for minority communities in suburban, ex-urban and rural areas. Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026 And inner city kids don’t have that. Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inner city

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inner city was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

“Inner city.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inner%20city. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

inner city

noun
: the usually older and more heavily populated central section of a city
inner-city adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on inner city

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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