midwest: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighPredominantly used in formal, semi-formal, and informal registers, but most frequent in geographic, journalistic, and cultural discussions.
Quick answer
What does “midwest” mean?
The region of the United States generally located in the north-central part of the country, characterized by agriculture, manufacturing, and specific cultural values.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The region of the United States generally located in the north-central part of the country, characterized by agriculture, manufacturing, and specific cultural values.
Metaphorically refers to a central, typically conservative, heartland area within any country; can also refer to the cultural values associated with this region, such as traditionalism, hard work, and practicality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'Midwest' is a rarely used specific reference to the U.S. region. There is no direct equivalent region in the UK, so the term has no inherent domestic meaning. In U.S. English, it is a high-frequency, culturally loaded geographic and cultural term.
Connotations
In American usage: often connotes 'heartland', traditional values, agricultural/industrial base, and political swing states. In British usage: primarily a neutral geographic descriptor for a foreign region.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in U.S. English, especially in politics, weather, and cultural reporting. Very low frequency in UK English outside of contexts discussing the U.S.
Grammar
How to Use “midwest” in a Sentence
in the [adj] Midwestthe Midwest of [country]from the MidwestVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “midwest” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No common verb use in UK English.
American English
- No common verb use in American English.
adverb
British English
- No common adverb use in UK English.
American English
- No common adverb use in American English.
adjective
British English
- The report covered Midwest agricultural exports to Europe.
- They watched a documentary on Midwest life.
American English
- He has a classic Midwestern work ethic.
- We took a road trip through several Midwest states.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to markets, logistics hubs, or consumer bases located in the central U.S. (e.g., 'We're expanding our distribution into the Midwest.')
Academic
Used in geography, sociology, and political science to denote a specific U.S. region and its cultural/economic characteristics.
Everyday
Common in weather reports, travel plans, and discussions about U.S. culture or politics (e.g., 'My family is from the Midwest.')
Technical
In meteorology, refers to a zone for forecasting; in agriculture, a key production region.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “midwest”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “midwest”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “midwest”
- Writing 'mid west' as two words (should be 'Midwest' or 'midwest'). Using lowercase when it's a proper noun ('I live in the midwest'). Confusing it with 'Middle West', an older, less common variant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the specific U.S. region, it is a proper noun and should be capitalized: 'the Midwest'.
Definitions vary, but it typically includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
The term originated in the 19th century when this region was west of the original 13 colonies but not as far west as the frontier. The name persisted even as the country expanded further west.
Metaphorically, yes (e.g., 'the Midwest of Australia'), but it is not a standard geographic designation outside the U.S. Without context, it is assumed to refer to the United States.
The region of the United States generally located in the north-central part of the country, characterized by agriculture, manufacturing, and specific cultural values.
Midwest is usually predominantly used in formal, semi-formal, and informal registers, but most frequent in geographic, journalistic, and cultural discussions. in register.
Midwest: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪdˈwɛst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪdˌwɛst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Salt of the earth Midwest values”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as the 'middle' and 'west' of the US—not the far west, but the middle-west region.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIDWEST IS THE HEART (of the country); THE MIDWEST IS THE MORAL CORE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a Midwest state?