upstate

noun

up·​state ˈəp-ˌstāt How to pronounce upstate (audio)
: the chiefly northerly sections of a state
also : the chiefly rural part of a state when the major metropolitan area is in the south
upstate adverb or adjective
upstater noun

Examples of upstate 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.
Facing a looming landfill shortage already forcing the county into the expensive step of trucking some waste upstate, Miami-Dade commissioners on Wednesday agreed to build a new incinerator, one with a cleaner, more modern design that would also convert waste to energy. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 16 July 2025 Regionally, Lawler outperformed Stefanik in key suburban and upstate battlegrounds, though Hochul held a large lead in New York City. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025 New York’s road and bridge systems upstate as well as commuter rails, subways and tunnels downstate are all in need of repair. Nick Langworthy, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025 Their saying no to Sarcone upstate must be respected. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for upstate

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upstate was in 1901

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upstate. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

upstate

adjective
up·​state ˈəp-ˌstāt How to pronounce upstate (audio)
: of, relating to, or typical of a part of a state away from a large city and especially to the north
upstate noun or adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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