inner city

noun

: the usually older, poorer, and more densely populated central section of a city

inner-city

ˈi-nər-ˈsi-tē 

adjective

Examples of inner city in a Sentence

The mayor is trying to attract new businesses to the inner city.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearly 90% of low-income inner city residents in one Emory University study have experienced trauma. — Maayan Aviv, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Welcome to this week’s Sick and Shut Down List, with eateries from Miami-Dade to Palm Beach, from the inner city to the mall food court to a country club. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Initially covering the inner city, it was expanded in August 2023 to cover the capital’s outer boroughs and suburbs. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Most Black people in the inner city shop in variety, drug and discount stores. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inner city

• intercity
• lubricity
• pugnacity
• rhythmicity
• seismicity
• sphericity
• subcommittee
• tendinitis
• bitty
• ditty
• gritty
• kitty

Kids Definition

inner city

noun

: the usually older and more heavily populated central section of a city

inner-city adjective