name
Uncommon
Midwest
Midwest (name) means the central region of the United States, including states like Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa. Example: “He grew up on a farm in the Midwest.”
name
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The central region of the United States, including states like Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa.
"He grew up on a farm in the Midwest."
"Many of the dynamics today in West Virginia would be familiar in old industrial towns in the Northeast, or in rural communities across the Midwest."
— Emily Badger, West Virginia Has Everyone’s Attention. What Does It Really Need? (2021)
How to use Midwest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe middle band of the US, known for farmland, big cities like Chicago, and a reputation for friendliness.
Common pairings
the Midwest
Midwest hospitality
Midwest weather
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He grew up on a farm in the _____.
Etymology
From "mid-" + "West", describing the region between the East Coast and the western states.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Midwest” mean?
The word “Midwest” means the central region of the United States, including states like Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa. In plain terms, the middle band of the US, known for farmland, big cities like Chicago, and a reputation for friendliness.
How do you use “Midwest” in a sentence?
Here is “Midwest” used in a sentence: “He grew up on a farm in the Midwest.”
What part of speech is “Midwest”?
“Midwest” is a name.
Is “Midwest” a common word?
“Midwest” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What states are included in the Midwest?
The Midwest is the central region of the United States, including states such as Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa. It generally covers the area between the Northeast and the Great Plains, though the exact boundaries can vary depending on the source.
Is Midwest capitalised?
Yes, Midwest is capitalised because it refers to a specific, named geographic region of the United States, similar to other proper region names like the South or the Northeast. It should not be written in lowercase when referring to this region.
What is the difference between the Midwest and the Great Plains?
The Midwest is a broader central U.S. region that includes states like Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa, while the Great Plains is a specific flatter subregion further west, covering parts of states such as Kansas and Nebraska. The Great Plains can be considered part of or adjacent to the wider Midwest depending on the definition used.
