downtown
UK: ˌdaʊnˈtaʊn | US: ˌdaʊnˈtaʊn
n. the central or lower part of a city, especially the main commercial area
adj. located in or characteristic of this area
adv. toward or in this area
downtown = down<lower> + town<urban area>
- down (from Old English dūne, "from the hill," later generalized to mean "lower position")
- town (from Old English tūn, "enclosure, settlement," evolving to mean "urban area")
Etymology Origin:
The term downtown emerged in 19th-century American English, originally referring to the lower (often southern) part of a city near waterways or ports, where commerce concentrated. Over time, it shifted to denote the central business district, regardless of elevation. The logic reflects urban growth patterns—early cities often expanded outward from a core, making "down" synonymous with "central."
She works in a law firm downtown.
The downtown area is bustling with shoppers.
Let’s go downtown for dinner tonight.
Downtown traffic is heavy during rush hour.
The concert will be held at a downtown venue.