An urban area with clearly defined boundaries, in which the residential and commercial districts are relatively close together, forestalling the development of rural land and reducing the need to commute by car.
Origin
1930s.
Definition of Compact City in US English:
Compact City
noun
US Town Planning
An urban area with clearly defined boundaries, in which the residential and commercial districts are relatively close together, forestalling the development of rural land and reducing the need to commute by car.