down·town
ˌdau̇n-ˈtau̇n 
1
: of, relating to, or located in the lower part or business center of a city or town
downtown
adverb
down·town
ˌdau̇n-ˈtau̇n
ˈdau̇n-ˌtau
ˈdau̇n-ˌtau
: the lower part of a city or town
also
: the main business district or central part of a city or town
Examples of downtown in a Sentence
Adjective
the downtown clientele of this bistro come to be seen, and the food is only an afterthought
Recent Examples on the Web
Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026
The event will feature local artisans selling handmade, original goods while also encouraging patrons to support downtown small businesses, according to a news release.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Set the scene After weaving through downtown Nassau, passing the towering cruise ships in port, and waiting in traffic on the bridge to Paradise Island, arriving at the Ocean Club is a breath of fresh air (and a sigh of relief).
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for downtown
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Adjective
The result is a mix of old-school hotel bars, downtown Italian institutions and buzzy French bistros — the kinds of places where A-listers tend to turn up again and again.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026
The event will feature local artisans selling handmade, original goods while also encouraging patrons to support downtown small businesses, according to a news release.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
The chain started in downtown San Diego and now has 55 locations in three states.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Set the scene After weaving through downtown Nassau, passing the towering cruise ships in port, and waiting in traffic on the bridge to Paradise Island, arriving at the Ocean Club is a breath of fresh air (and a sigh of relief).
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for downtown
Cite this Entry
“Downtown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtown. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
downtown
1 of 2 adverb
down·town
ˌdau̇n-ˈtau̇n
: to, toward, or in the main business district
downtown
2 of 2 adjective-ˌtau̇n
: situated downtown
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