open city

noun

: a city that is not occupied or defended by military forces and that is not allowed to be bombed under international law

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open city was in 1914

Rhymes for open city

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Browse Nearby Words

open circuit
open city
open classroom
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Cite this Entry

“Open city.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20city. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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