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

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Open city.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20city. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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