satellite town.

A distinct smaller town near a larger city, connected to it while retaining a local center and identity.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• planned satellite town
• growing satellite town
• satellite town of

On the page

The satellite town maintained its own markets despite the fast rail link to the city.

Planners wanted the satellite town to offer jobs as well as housing.

She commuted from a satellite town whose residents still spoke of going into the city.

Usage notes

Primary category: setting. Not merely an uninterrupted suburb or necessarily a bedroom community; it may support its own employment and services. Definitions vary in how much independence they require. Plural: satellite towns. No other inflection applies to this noun.