urbanization

noun

ur·​ban·​i·​za·​tion ˌər-bə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce urbanization (audio)
: the quality or state of being urbanized or the process of becoming urbanized

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The word urbanization started appearing in print way back in the 1880s, which says something about the growth of American cities. The expansion of Los Angeles was an early example of uncontrolled urbanization. Urbanization is often seen as a negative trend, with bad effects on quality of life and the environment. But apartments require much less heat than houses, and commuting by mass transit rather than cars can reduce pollution and energy use, and cities offer improved opportunities for jobs (and often for education and housing as well), so city growth doesn't make everyone unhappy.

Examples of urbanization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Experts say rising water levels, urbanization and subsidence – the sinking of the land – are contributing to the problem. Joel Shannon, USA TODAY, 30 June 2024 Next, there’s habitat loss due to urbanization and solar development. Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2024 In this spirit, studies of urbanization in birds, including my research, are usually designed to elucidate its detrimental effects. Anders Brodin, Scientific American, 25 June 2024 The importance of green space in Beijing and other Chinese cities has become more apparent amid rapid urbanization. Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 23 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for urbanization 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'urbanization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of urbanization was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near urbanization

Cite this Entry

“Urbanization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urbanization. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on urbanization

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