downstate

noun

down·​state ˈdau̇n-ˌstāt How to pronounce downstate (audio)
: the chiefly southerly sections of a state
also : the chiefly rural part of a state when the major metropolitan area is to the north
downstate adjective or adverb
downstater noun

Examples of downstate in a Sentence

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.
Efforts to eliminate or consolidate units of government have largely failed for a century, thanks in part to politicians’ instinct for self preservation, but also a fear, particularly among many in rural downstate areas, of losing their civic identity. Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2024 Ironically, Leahy Scott originally hailed from downstate in Nassau County, Long Island, and earned both her bachelor and legal degrees from Hofstra University, a few miles from her home base in Levittown. Kenny Herzog, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024 Finally, the route goes into Illinois, stopping at seven downstate stations before pulling into its northern terminus, Chicago Union Station. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2024 The 2016 Sanders campaign, which swamped Hillary Clinton’s in places like downstate Illinois and central Pennsylvania, pointed in another direction. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 25 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for downstate 

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downstate was in 1905

Dictionary Entries Near downstate

Cite this Entry

“Downstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downstate. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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