# urbanism

/ˈɝbənɪzm/ (US) · /ˈɜːbənˌɪzəm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/urbanism
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

the way cities are built and how people live in them. It also means the study of city planning and city life.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.