B2noun2K

Suburb

UK /["/ˈsʌbɜːb/"]/US /["/ˈsʌbɜːrb/"]/

Definition

an area where people live that is outside the centre of a city

In simple words: An area near a city where people live, usually quieter than the city.

Examples

  • a suburb of London
  • a London suburb
  • They live in the suburbs.
  • As soon as we can afford it, we'll move to the suburbs.
  • For a child from the suburbs, a trip to the city was a great adventure.
  • She's renting in a suburb of Boston.
  • The middle-class suburbs are growing fast.
  • out beyond the sprawling suburbs
  • the coastal suburbs of the capital

Usage notes

Used in both spoken and written language. Commonly refers to residential areas outside urban centers. Less appropriate for rural or city contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'sub' like 'under' and 'urb' relates to urban areas — suburbs are under the city.

Collocations

  • outer
  • outlying
  • inner
  • move to
  • grow
  • from the suburbs
  • in a/​the suburb
  • in the suburbs

Synonyms

  • neighborhood
  • development
  • residential area
  • exurb

Antonyms

  • city
  • urban area

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'suburb' with 'suburban', which is an adjective.
  • Using 'suburb' to refer to the inner city.
  • Incorrectly capitalizing 'Suburb'.