Word
urbanism
Phoneticsur·ban·ism, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɝbənɪzm/
UK/ˈɜːbənˌɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the way cities are built and how people live in them. It also means the study of city planning and city life.
n. study and planning of cities, covering their physical layout, social life, and growth over time. Frequently contrasted with suburban and rural patterns of settlement.
Examples
“Urbanism shapes how people live in big cities.”
“The mayor hires experts in urbanism to design safer streets and better parks.”
“Modern urbanism seeks to balance dense housing, green space, and public transport to make city life more livable.”
Examples
simple
“Urbanism shapes how people live in big cities.”
contextual
“The mayor hires experts in urbanism to design safer streets and better parks.”
complex
“Modern urbanism seeks to balance dense housing, green space, and public transport to make city life more livable.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “urbanism” in context.
Verb
01. focus on urbanism
“This semester we will focus on urbanism in post-industrial cities.”
verb + prep + noun
02. promote urbanism
“The mayor's policies promote urbanism centred on pedestrians, not cars.”
verb + noun
03. rethink urbanism
“After the pandemic, many planners had to rethink urbanism completely.”
verb + noun
04. shape urbanism
“Public transport investment continues to shape urbanism in major capitals.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. contemporary urbanism
“Contemporary urbanism often blends historic preservation with high-density housing.”
adj + noun
06. modern urbanism
“The course explores modern urbanism and the growth of megacities in Asia.”
adj + noun
07. new urbanism
“New urbanism promotes walkable neighbourhoods and mixed-use development.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. form of urbanism
“High-rise living is a dominant form of urbanism in Singapore.”
noun + prep + noun
09. future of urbanism
“Electric buses and green roofs will define the future of urbanism.”
noun + prep + noun
10. history of urbanism
“The museum exhibition traces the history of urbanism over two centuries.”
noun + prep + noun
11. critique of modern urbanism
“Her book offers a powerful critique of modern urbanism and urban sprawl.”
12. principles of new urbanism
“Principles of new urbanism favour walkability, density and mixed use.”
Real-World Examples
“So the book reflects the ways a bunch of academic disciplines refract the idea of urbanism, of how to make a city that supports everyone who lives there.” Etymology
From urban + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/urbanism