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.
Last week, the New York State Assembly overwhelmingly approved permitted use legislation that will allow Metropolitan Park to compete for one of the three downstate gaming licenses. Donovan Richards, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025 Krishnamoorthi was raised in Peoria and attended public school there, while much of Stratton’s downstate experience stems from her time in the lieutenant governor’s office, including leading the governor’s Rural Affairs Council. Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025 The driver of an SUV that crashed into an after-school camp building in downstate Illinois, killing four and injuring six others, did not have any alcohol or drugs in her system and may have experienced a medical emergency prior to the crash, according to a preliminary investigation. Hilary Shenfeld, People.com, 1 May 2025 Johnson heads downstate while facing a litany of impending financial challenges and uncertainty at the federal level. Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Downstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downstate. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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