Urbanism
/ˈɜː.bə.nɪ.zəm/noun
The study, planning, and development of towns and cities.
Did you know?Latin urbanus meant not only “of the city” but also “polished” or “cultivated,” helping create the later English sense of urbane refinement.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
urbs
“City; an inhabited urban center”
Classical Latin
Latin
urbanus
“Of or belonging to the city; later, refined or sophisticated”
Late Latin
Latin
urbanismus
“A system or practice relating to cities”
19th Century
French
urbanisme
“The planning and organization of towns and cities”
19th Century
English
urbanism
“The study or planning of urban life and development”
Modern English
English
urbanism
“The design, planning, and social study of cities”