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Definition of urban

urban

/ˈɜːr.bən/
ur · ban
Adverb:urbanly
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urban Lexical Profile

urban Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

In, relating to, or characteristic of a town or city, as opposed to the countryside.

Example

"Rapid population growth in urban areas has increased the demand for efficient public transportation."

2

Denoting or relating to popular dance music, fashion, and subcultures associated with contemporary inner-city communities, especially of African American or Afro-Caribbean origin.

Example

"The festival showcased a vibrant mix of contemporary jazz, hip-hop, and other urban music styles."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for urban

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'urban' (relating to a city or town) with 'urbane' (refined, courteous, and suave in manner), though both share the same Latin root.

• Rhymes for urban

• Nearby Words

urals
uranium
urayasu
urban
urbana
urbane
urbanely

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin urbanus ('belonging to a city, refined'), derived from urbs ('city, walled town').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Urban. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/urban
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