rural

adjective

ru·​ral ˈru̇r(-ə)l How to pronounce rural (audio)
ˈrər(-ə)l
Synonyms of ruralnext
: of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture
rurality
ru̇-ˈra-lə-tē How to pronounce rural (audio)
noun
rurally
ˈru̇r-ə-lē How to pronounce rural (audio)
ˈrər-
adverb

Synonyms

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Examples of rural in a Sentence

She lives in a rural area. grew up in a rural community where more than half the people were farmers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But her father wants to take a holiday to his rural childhood home, which is close to the mountain. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025 Just days later, the Florida Department of Commerce informed Orange County that its plan — designed to guide responsible growth, protect rural lands, and ensure infrastructure keeps pace with development — may not comply with the new law. — Haley Busch, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025 Low milk prices, rising costs, farmer retirements, and labor shortages contribute to the decline, affecting rural communities. — Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2025 Woods, Richard Baptiste and Rebekah Baptiste all lived at a property in the rural community of Hunt, which is about 40 minutes southeast of where the original call for service was located, according to arresting documents. — Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rural

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin ruralis, from rur-, rus open land — more at room

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rural was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing rural

Rhymes for rural

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Browse Nearby Words

rupturewort
rural
rural dean
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Cite this Entry

“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rural. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

rural

adjective
ru·​ral ˈru̇r-əl How to pronounce rural (audio)
: of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture

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Nglish: Translation of rural for Spanish Speakers

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