Crosstown Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crosstown

[ˈkrɔːsˌtaʊn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

location description

Crosstown refers to something that is situated or happening across a town or city, typically involving movement or communication between different sectors or neighborhoods. It often describes routes or transport connections that move from one side of a city to the other, bypassing the central areas. This term can also be used to characterize events or activities that take place in different parts of the town, highlighting the spread or diversity of urban life.

Synonyms

cross-town, intercity, urban.

Examples of usage

  • The crosstown bus makes several stops along the route.
  • We decided to go crosstown to visit relatives.
  • The crosstown traffic was unusually heavy today.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Urban Studies

  • Crosstown routes are essential for urban transport, connecting neighborhoods and helping people commute efficiently.
  • Many cities design their public transportation systems with crosstown routes to reduce congestion and improve accessibility.

Cultural Impact

  • Crosstown rivalries often foster competition between different parts of a city, as seen in sports teams from across town.
  • In literature and film, crosstown dynamics can symbolize social divisions, such as class differences between neighborhoods.

Transportation

  • Biking and walking crosstown are becoming popular as cities aim to reduce carbon emissions and promote healthy lifestyles.
  • Crosstown transit routes are often developed based on population density and demand, allowing cities to adapt to changing needs.

Geography

  • Crosstown areas in cities often have unique geographical features, like hills or rivers, that influence travel patterns.
  • Geographers study crosstown connections to understand urban sprawl and how cities grow over time.

Origin of 'crosstown'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'crosstown' combines 'cross,' meaning to go across, and 'town,' referring to a built area where people live.
  • It has been used in the English language since the early 20th century, primarily to describe routes or travel within cities.

The term 'crosstown' comes from the combination of 'cross,' meaning to go across or to intersect, and 'town,' which refers to a populated area of smaller size than a city. Its usage gained prominence in the early to mid-20th century as urban development increased and cities expanded, leading to the necessity for better transportation links across various neighborhoods. Crosstown connections became important as public transport systems evolved, allowing citizens to access different parts of the city with ease. The term embodies the essence of mobility and connectivity within urban settings.