rural

adjective

ru·​ral ˈru̇r(-ə)l 

ˈrər(-ə)l

: of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture

rurality

ru̇-ˈra-lə-tē 

noun

rurally

ˈru̇r-ə-lē 

ˈrər-

adverb

Synonyms

• bucolic
• country
• pastoral
• rustic
• rustical

Examples of rural in a Sentence

She lives in a rural area.

grew up in a rural community where more than half the people were farmers

Recent Examples on the Web

That money would be split to go toward rural facilities, mental health and school safety, and literacy initiatives. —Becca Savransky, ProPublica, 11 Feb. 2025

What will happen if the assisted living community closes because of workforce shortages in your rural town? —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

The reptiles can be seen on hiking trails, rural roads and in even your backyard, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. —Tanasia Kenney, Sacramento Bee, 11 Feb. 2025

However, the Starlink access will only activate if your phone ends up in a cellular dead zone, which are usually found in rural and remote areas. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin ruralis, from rur-, rus open land — more at room

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rural

• rural dean
• rural free delivery
• rural route

Kids Definition

rural

adjective

ru·​ral ˈru̇r-əl 

: of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture