Word
urban
Phoneticsur·ban, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɝbən/
UK/ˈɜːbən/
Definitions
01related to cities
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. related to a city or town, or the way people live in these places.
adj. pertaining to, characteristic of, or located within a city or town, especially in contrast to rural areas.
“The government is trying to improve urban transport by building more subway lines.”
“Urban planners must balance the need for high-density housing with the preservation of public green spaces to ensure a high quality of life.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02music and culture
C1 · Advanced Music American English · Informal
adj. a word sometimes used to describe modern music like hip-hop or R&B.
adj. relating to contemporary popular culture and music, particularly genres like hip-hop, R&B, and reggae.
“The radio station plays a mix of urban music and top 40 hits.”
“The term urban music has faced criticism for being a reductive label that obscures the diversity of Black musical genres.”
Synonyms
03euphemism for race
C2 · Proficiency American English · Formal
adj. sometimes used as a polite or indirect way to talk about Black people in cities.
adj. used as a euphemism to refer to Black or African-American people, often in a sociological or political context.
“The report discussed the challenges facing urban youth in the inner city.”
“Critics argue that using the word urban as a proxy for race allows speakers to avoid direct discussions about systemic inequality.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “urban” in context.
Adjective
01. dense urban environment
“Living in a dense urban environment can be stressful due to the constant noise and traffic.”
adj + noun
02. rapid urban growth
“The city is struggling to provide enough housing for its rapid urban growth.”
adj + noun
Noun
03. urban decay
“Many inner-city areas are suffering from urban decay as businesses move to the suburbs.”
adj + noun
04. urban planning
“Good urban planning is essential to ensure that cities remain livable for all residents.”
adj + noun
05. urban renewal project
“The old docklands were completely transformed by a massive urban renewal project.”
adj + noun + noun
06. urban sprawl
“The government is trying to implement new policies to limit urban sprawl and protect the countryside.”
adj + noun
Preposition
07. in urban areas
“Public transport is usually much more reliable in urban areas than in rural ones.”
prep + adj + noun
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“The Olto was designed to provide riders with the experience of a scooter while still allowing them to take advantage of the growing bike lane networks in many urban areas across the country.” “It’s about parking, says Stefan Chavez-Norgaard, who teaches urban planning at the University of Denver.” Etymology
Latin Urbānus, name of eight early popes, from urbānus (“of the town or city, urbane”). Doublet of Orban.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
01. urban fabric
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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