inner city

noun

Synonyms of inner citynext
: the usually older, poorer, and more densely populated central section of a city
inner-city adjective

Examples of inner city in a Sentence

The mayor is trying to attract new businesses to the inner city.
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.
In Johannesburg’s inner city, entire blocks fell silent as street vendors cleared out and retail shops pulled steel shutters down, conjuring up memories of the 2020 pandemic lockdowns. Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 1 July 2026 Hill is currently building a nonprofit for kids called The Big Catch, which aims to teach inner city children entrepreneurial skills. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2026 Consequently, inner city school children are ill-equipped to find employment already robbed by low employment opportunities, sustaining a never-ending disadvantage in their pursuit of happiness. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 5 May 2026 Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker wanted the terminal opened by May 1 in anticipation of the city's America 250 celebrations, but the site is only a temporary solution as Philly plans a new, long-term inner city bus station. Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inner city

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inner city was in 1953

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Cite this Entry

“Inner city.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inner%20city. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

inner city

noun
: the usually older and more heavily populated central section of a city
inner-city adjective

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