rural

adjective

ru·​ral ˈru̇r(-ə)l How to pronounce rural (audio)
ˈrər(-ə)l
: of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture
rurality noun
rurally adverb

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
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.
This centuries-old tradition, celebrated with music, folk dances, and vibrant parades, marks the end of summer grazing and is one of Europe’s most picturesque and authentic rural festivals. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 But, whether in galleries in Johannesburg, Bulawayo, or Paris, or on the walls of huts in rural Matobo, the art form will continue, a fascinating case of a modernist art form existing outside of Western paradigms. Percy Zvomuya, Artforum, 1 June 2025 Public transportation is limited, so renting a car is recommended for getting around Extremadura’s rural areas and smaller towns. Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025 He was shot dead at his cottage in rural Ireland four months later. Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rural

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rural was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rural. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

rural

adjective
ru·​ral ˈru̇r-əl How to pronounce rural (audio)
: of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture

More from Merriam-Webster on rural

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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