open city

noun

1. a city that, during a war, is officially declared demilitarized and open to occupation, and that will consequently not be defended, in order to spare it, under international law, from bombardment or other military attack.
2. a city or autonomous city-state that gives equal access and status to inhabitants and visitors without regard to religious, ethnic, racial, or national affiliation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of open city¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Bellingham was pivotal to Madrid’s opener with a moment of brilliance to open City up.

From Seattle Times

Isabella Rossellini, who plays the mother of Arthur’s lost love in “La Chimera,” compares Rohrwacher to her father, the late auteur Roberto Rosselini of “Rome, Open City” and “Paisan,” among others.

From Los Angeles Times

But when Padilla decided to run for Alarcon’s open City Council seat, Alarcon balked — Padilla was too young and inexperienced, he argued.

From Los Angeles Times

Los Alamos became an open city when the security gates came down in 1957.

From Washington Times

Los Alamos became an open city when the security gates came down in 1957.

From Seattle Times