suburban

[ suh-bur-buhn ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, inhabiting, or being in a suburb or the suburbs of a city or town.
2. characteristic of a suburb or suburbs.

noun

1. a suburbanite.
2. a short overcoat for casual wear.
3. station wagon.

suburban

/ səˈbɜːbən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, situated in, or inhabiting a suburb or the suburbs
2. characteristic of or typifying a suburb or the suburbs
3. pejorative.
   narrow or unadventurous in outlook

noun

1. another word for suburbanite

Other Words From

• sub·urban·ism noun
• nonsub·urban adjective noun
• semi·sub·urban adjective
• unsub·urban adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suburban¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin suburbānus “located close to a city (especially to Rome),” equivalent to sub- + urb- (stem of urbs “city”) + -ānus adjective suffix; sub-, urban

Example Sentences

Planned suburban residential neighborhoods in metropolitan areas known as new towns were initially developed in England.

From Science Daily

The relationship with BaronHR dates back roughly a decade, when the staffing firm began supplying them workers in suburban Los Angeles, records and interviews show.

From New York Times

The fire prompted evacuation orders for more than 10,000 people as it threatened structures in suburban communities and agricultural areas around Camarillo.

From Los Angeles Times

Sitting at the coffee shop, Schneider looks every bit the suburban dad.

From Los Angeles Times

She focused her campaign on lowering taxes and the burden of rising costs on middle class families, a time-tested message for Southern California conservatives that resonates with voters in the suburban district.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rural