1. the central or most important part of a country, area, or field of activity
2. the central region of the United States, especially the Midwest
Usage: often capitalized when referring to the American Midwest

Examples

• The company decided to expand into America’s heartland.
• Small towns in the heartland often rely on agriculture.
• The candidate campaigned heavily in the industrial heartland.
• This region is considered the heartland of country music.
• Manufacturing jobs have declined in the nation’s heartland.
• The heartland values of hard work and family remain strong.