1. the process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas
Usage: British spelling; American spelling is ‘urbanization’

Examples

• Rapid urbanisation has transformed the landscape of developing countries.
• The government is struggling to manage the effects of urbanisation on infrastructure.
• Urbanisation often leads to overcrowding in city centers.
• Many rural workers moved to cities during the period of industrial urbanisation.
• Environmental problems frequently accompany unplanned urbanisation.
• The urbanisation of the region began in the early 1900s.