ENGLISH
REFERENCE

downtown

n. · adv. · adj.
US //ˈdaʊnˈtaʊn// UK //dˈaʊntaʊn// down·town
  1. 1 the city center (n.)
    A2 Elementary American English

    the main business and shopping area of a city.

    the central business district or commercial heart of a town or city.

    Example

    We spent the whole afternoon walking around downtown looking for a gift.

    Example

    The city council has invested heavily in revitalising downtown, hoping to attract more residents to the historic commercial core.

    Usage

    In American English, 'downtown' is often used without an article when following a preposition like 'in'.
    • city center
    • central business district
  2. 2 towards the center (adv.)
    A2 Elementary American English

    towards or in the central part of a city.

    to, towards, or in the central business district of a city.

    Example

    I need to go downtown to meet my lawyer at three o'clock.

    Example

    Commuters heading downtown faced significant delays this morning due to a water main break on the primary arterial road.

    Usage

    Functions as an adverb of place or direction; typically follows the verb directly.
    Pitfall
    I am going to downtown.
    I am going downtown.

    When used as an adverb of direction with verbs like 'go' or 'drive', do not use the preposition 'to'.

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  1. 3 located in the center (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate American English

    located in or relating to the central part of a city.

    situated in or characteristic of the central business district.

    Example

    They live in a small downtown apartment near the train station.

    Example

    The downtown skyline has changed dramatically over the last decade with the addition of several glass-fronted skyscrapers.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.
  2. 4 basketball shot (adv.)
    C1 Advanced American English Informal Slang Sport

    a shot taken from a long distance away from the basket.

    a shot taken from beyond the three-point line or from a significant distance.

    Example

    He took a shot from downtown and won the game at the buzzer.

    Example

    The point guard is known for his ability to pull up from downtown, forcing defenders to guard him well beyond the perimeter.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very specific sports metaphor used primarily in basketball broadcasting and journalism.
    • long range
Origin

From down + town.

Idioms1 entry

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