market town

a town where a regularly scheduled market is held.

Origin of market town

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Now after some days' journey the Prince came to a market-town in Wales where there was a great commotion.

English Fairy Tales |Flora Annie Steel
The next day we came to a market-town, where several Friends came to see me.

George Fox |George Fox
Topsham , once a famous port, is now a market-town and fishing station on the estuary of the Exe.

Devonshire |Francis A. Knight
The forester whom he had applied to for a new dress, had, of course, purchased it from the countryman in the market-town.

The Devil's Elixir |E. T. A. Hoffmann

Every day she trudged to the market-town and back, not able to bear the suspense without doing something.

Little Folks (December 1884) |Various

market town

mainly British a town that holds a market, esp an agricultural centre in a rural area