asphalt jungle

[ as-fawlt juhng-guhl ]

noun

1. concrete jungle ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of asphalt jungle¹

Apparently coined by George Ade ( def ) in a fable published in 1917; popularized by a novel of the same title (1949) by W.R. Burnett (1899–1982), U.S. novelist and screenwriter

Example Sentences

Putnam had allegedly been inspired to write the song after watching the film The Asphalt Jungle, which details a robbery gone wrong in New York and follows one one of those responsible back to the Kentucky country home he has yearned to return to, only to die from injuries as he arrives.

From BBC

The annual Dubai Ride saw bikes race down Sheikh Zayed Road, a 10-lane asphalt jungle that gives drivers a view of the world’s tallest building and other sites.

From Seattle Times

A devotee of heist movies like “Dog Day Afternoon,” “Asphalt Jungle,” “Charley Varrick,” “The Taking of Pelham 123” and “The Outfit,” he wanted to write a crime novel from the perspective of fences, henchmen and other low-ranking crooks and hustlers.

From New York Times

He served in the Korean War and acted in bit parts in television shows throughout the 1950s before landing a regular role as a police sergeant in the 1961 ABC series "The Asphalt Jungle."

From Fox News

He served in the Korean War and acted in bit parts in television shows throughout the 1950s before landing a regular role as a police sergeant in the 1961 ABC series “The Asphalt Jungle.”

From Seattle Times