inner city

noun

: the usually older, poorer, and more densely populated central section of a city
inner-city adjective

Examples of inner city in a Sentence

The mayor is trying to attract new businesses to the inner city.
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.
The Blackwells began acquiring vacant lots in the inner city and turning them into lush flower patches. Martha Shade, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025 There is a big disconnect with those living in the inner city and don’t have access to the beach. — David Mesfin In the early 1900s, Los Angeles beaches reflected the rigid racial segregation of the time. Natalie Preddie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025 In the two previous years, price growth in the two inner cities lagged the rest of the metro area. Nick Halter, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025 Unfortunately, a good amount of my close friends and family members growing up in the inner city of Hartford went through the criminal justice system. Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for inner city 

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inner city was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near inner city

Cite this Entry

“Inner city.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inner%20city. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

inner city

noun
: the usually older and more heavily populated central section of a city
inner-city adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on inner city

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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