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Suburbs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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suburbs

[ˈsʌbəːbz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

living area

Suburbs are residential areas on the outskirts of a city or town. They are typically characterized by single-family homes, green spaces, and a quieter atmosphere compared to the city center. Suburbs often have good schools, lower crime rates, and a sense of community.

Synonyms

bedroom community, outskirts, periphery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suburbs

Commonly used to describe residential areas or neighborhoods that lie on the outer edges of a city or town. These areas typically have their own local amenities and are less densely populated compared to the city center.

  • They decided to move to the suburbs for a quieter life.
  • The suburbs offer more space and green areas.
outskirts

Used to denote the outer edges or fringes of a city or town. This term often implies areas that are less developed or less populated than the central areas.

  • They built their house on the outskirts of the city.
  • Factories are usually located on the outskirts.
periphery

Primarily used in formal or technical contexts to describe the outer limits or boundary of an area. It can be used for both urban and non-urban settings but suggests being on the edge of an area.

  • New developments are planned for the periphery of the town.
  • The wildlife reserve is located on the periphery of the city.
bedroom community

Refers to a residential area where most people commute to work in a nearby city rather than work locally. This term emphasizes that people mainly sleep there and spend their main time working elsewhere.

  • It's a bedroom community with most people heading to the city for work each morning.
  • This small town is a bedroom community for the big city nearby.

Examples of usage

  • The suburbs are a popular choice for families looking for a peaceful environment.
  • Many people commute from the suburbs to the city for work.
  • She grew up in the suburbs but now lives in the city.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'suburb' comes from the Latin word 'suburbium', meaning 'outskirts' or 'near a city'.
  • Suburbs began to grow in the 19th century as more people moved to cities for jobs but wanted quieter homes.
  • The post-World War II era saw a massive boom in suburb development in the United States, influenced by the availability of cars.

Cultural Impact

  • Films and television often depict suburbs as places of ideal family life or hidden secrets, shaping our perceptions of these areas.
  • Music genres like doo-wop in the 1950s reflected suburban youth culture, with themes of romance and teenage life in these neighborhoods.
  • Sociologists typically analyze suburbs for their impact on social behavior, community ties, and even politics, as they often differ greatly from urban centers.

Urban Planning

  • Suburbs are designed with residential areas, shopping centers, and sometimes schools, which can lead to the development of car dependency.
  • Many planners advocate for 'smart growth' to make suburbs more walkable and sustainable, with parks and public transport options.
  • Zoning laws often dictate the type of buildings in suburbs, affecting everything from architecture to how communities function.

Demographics

  • Suburbs typically have a higher percentage of families and homeowners compared to urban areas, often affecting schools and local policies.
  • They can be racially and economically diverse, yet some suburbs face challenges of segregation and inequality.
  • With changing trends, many young adults are moving into suburbs looking for affordable housing options that also maintain access to city amenities.

Origin of 'suburbs'

The word 'suburbs' originated in the 14th century from the Latin word 'suburbium', which means 'outskirts of a city'. Suburbs have evolved over time from being areas where the wealthy lived to becoming more diverse residential communities. The concept of suburbs became popular during the industrial revolution when people started moving away from city centers for a better quality of life.

See also: suburbanite.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,552 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.