rural

adjective

ru·​ral ˈru̇r(-ə)l How to pronounce rural (audio)
ˈrər(-ə)l
: of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture
rurality noun
rurally adverb

Examples of rural in a Sentence

She lives in a rural area. grew up in a rural community where more than half the people were farmers
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.
One such measure includes a modest increase in minimum basic benefits for elderly people in rural areas and unemployed individuals in cities, Reuters reported this week. William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025 Another of these coveted rural listings, this one on the eastern edge of California‘s Santa Ynez Valley, a wine-growing region about 30 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, is up for grabs for a cool $20 million. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2025 The videos could not be verified by The Times, but activists said the locations appeared to comport with rural villages near Syria’s coast. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025 Pharmacy deserts — areas with limited or no access to prescriptions and pharmacist services — are expanding, disproportionately affecting rural areas and underserved urban communities. Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rural

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin ruralis, from rur-, rus open land — more at room

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rural was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rural. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

rural

adjective
ru·​ral ˈru̇r-əl How to pronounce rural (audio)
: of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture

More from Merriam-Webster on rural

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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