inner city

noun

: 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.
Medicaid serves people in every corner of this country, from inner cities to small rural towns, Democrats to Republicans. Anahita Dua, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025 Stephen grew up in the inner city of San Diego, just minutes from Pro Kids, home of First Tee – San Diego. First Tee, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 Many scouts were on hand at the Double Duty Classic, an annual event designed to promote baseball in inner cities and honor the history of Negro League baseball. Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025 The law expands opportunity zones and extends tax benefits for investing in inner cities and economically depressed rural areas. Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 9 July 2025 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 21 Aug. 2025.

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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