Boomtown
/ˈbuːm.taʊn/noun
A town that grows very rapidly because of a sudden economic boom, especially from mining or oil.
Did you know?Boomtown is a modern compound from boom + town, and its explosive feel comes from the older English boom meaning a loud, resonant sound—later borrowed into the idea of a sudden economic surge.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
bome
“A loud, deep sound or roar.”
17th Century
English
boom
“A deep, resonant sound; later, a sudden rapid expansion or surge.”
19th Century
English
boom town
“A settlement that grows very quickly during a period of economic expansion, especially near mining or frontier activity.”
Modern English
English
boomtown
“A town experiencing rapid growth and prosperity due to a sudden economic boom.”