townie

noun

town·​ie ˈtau̇-nē 

variants or less commonly towny

plural townies

informal

: a native or resident of a town

especially : a permanent inhabitant of a town as distinguished from a member of another group (such as the academic community)

Every Yooper I've ever met was an uncommonly unique character – a real salt-of-the-earth townie skilled at mechanics, deer hunting, and/or ice fishing.

—Kelly O

… a question every intelligent and ambitious townie one day must confront: should I stay or leave?

—Ben Yagoda

—often used before another noun

This old school townie bar is located just off of Main Street on the outskirts of town … and it's the sort of place that I'd imagine has a regular clientele of locals who drop by on a daily basis for a shot and a beer.

—Lori Fredrich

Synonyms

• local
• localite
• native
• year-rounder

Examples of townie in a Sentence

fights between townies and college kids

the townies are dismayed that all the venerable manses around the village green are being bought as vacation homes by rich interlopers

Recent Examples on the Web

All of the standard tropes are set up—the weird old townie who tries to warn the kids off, a creepy old basement filled with bizarre and ominous paraphernalia, etc.—though maybe they’re set up just a little too perfectly. —Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 25 Oct. 2024

After enjoying what seems to be only minutes of the dance — likely not even long enough for an unruly townie to spike the prom punch — Karl must ditch his date in the middle of the soiree in order to pursue his latest murder investigation. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 1 Oct. 2024

With Richard Gere 45 Years After ‘American Gigolo’ – Cannes The 1982 pic starred Richard Gere, Debra Winger and Louis Gossett Jr. and follows a loner who sets out to finish his Navy Officer training while dealing with a tough-as-nails drill sergeant while also finding love with a local townie. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 14 June 2024

Dine & spa Subsequent newcomers include The Kiosk, a café that pulls in townies with an unbeatable beachfront location where diners tuck into egg-and-bacon rolls, acai bowls, and perfectly textured flat whites at picnic tables under nautical parasols. —Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

townie

noun

town·​ie ˈtau̇-nē 

informal

: a permanent resident of a town