upstate

noun

up·​state ˈəp-ˌstāt How to pronounce upstate (audio)
: the chiefly northerly sections of a state
also : the chiefly rural part of a state when the major metropolitan area is in the south
upstate
ˈəp-ˈstāt How to pronounce upstate (audio)
adverb or adjective
upstater
ˈəp-ˈstā-tər How to pronounce upstate (audio)
noun

Examples of upstate in a Sentence

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.
Biddle and Frankel moved upstate but sold T-shirts with the original design, raising money for the victims of a fire and inspiring a restoration of the mural in 2022. — Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 The story follows two sisters with a strained relationship who target a house in rural upstate New York for a burglary. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026 Pic follows two estranged sisters who attempt to rob a secluded home in rural upstate New York. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 June 2026 Whether you're headed upstate for a retreat at INNESS for some peace and quiet, spending the weekend at a cozy lake house, or anything in the wheelhouse of a slower itinerary, the goal is to look effortlessly put together without overthinking it. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for upstate

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upstate was in 1901

Rhymes for upstate

See All Rhymes for upstate

Browse Nearby Words

upstart
upstate
upstater
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Cite this Entry

“Upstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upstate. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

upstate

adjective
up·​state ˈəp-ˌstāt How to pronounce upstate (audio)
: of, relating to, or typical of a part of a state away from a large city and especially to the north
upstate noun or adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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