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Glite Dictionary
Sunbelt

Sunbelt

3 5.6
A warm southern US region where many people move and cities grow quickly
  • noun
  • /ˈsʌnˌbɛlt/
  • US
translation icon : Sunbelt
  • In addition, rapid population growth in southern states and Sunbelt cities has created an immense service economy and a consequent demand for low-wage labor.
  • Sunbelt cities
  • Sunbelt states
  • rise of the Sunbelt

Joe flipped states in the sunbelt and the Rust Belt.

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Examples

  • Finally, California, Florida, Texas, and other sunbelt states are attractive retirement locales.

    Academic text (1994)

  • In the Sunbelt, you just smile and they pour money out on you.

    Stir Crazy (1980)

  • Despite overall absolute economic gain, in terms of per capita income, the Sunbelt remains the lowest in the United States.

    Academic text (1990)

  • Nixon won the Sunbelt, and he lost the Deep South to Democratic segregationist George Wallace.

    Death of a Nation (2018)

  • Finally, retirees continue to find the Sunbelt states, particularly California, Florida, and Texas, attractive retirement locales.

    Academic text (1994)

  • The relationships are evident in Sunbelt cities, where boosterism promotes growth and fosters competition among localities for development.

    Academic text (1990)

  • Yet, professional hockey teams and their arenas still seem to be oblique additions to the Sunbelt's landscape.

    Academic text (2000)

  • The Sunbelt has become increasingly popular for families seeking a warm climate and job opportunities.

  • Many people are moving to the Sunbelt states due to the availability of affordable housing and a favorable climate.

  • Tourism in the Sunbelt region thrives because of its beaches and sunshine, attracting visitors year-round.

Synonyms

Sun Belt
vsSunbelt
  • US
2 3.6

A warm part of the southern and southwestern United States that attracts people and businesses

is identical in meaning but written as one joined word

Surface Forms

Sunbelt singular
Sunbelts plural

Morphology

Sunbelt = sun + belt (semi-transparent) = sun + belt

The compound is understandable from 'sun' + 'belt' (a sunny band of states), but the specific geopolitical/regional sense is a conventionalized term.

Etymology

Sunbelt is a simple combination of sun and belt, where belt means a 'band' or strip of land. So Sunbelt gives the picture of a sunny strip across the southern United States and is used for those warm states that grew fast and often lean conservative.