out-of-town

Synonym discussion

Sense: collocation/1

For collocation/1, out of town usually means someone is temporarily away from the town where they normally live or work. Away is broader and can mean any other place, even somewhere nearby. Gone is more conversational and simply says the person is not here. Absent is more formal and is common in school, office, or official records. Traveling highlights the journey itself, especially movement between places, not just being away. In everyday speech, out of town often sounds more natural than absent when you explain why someone cannot meet you. Say Karen is out of town this week if her usual town matters. Say Karen is traveling in Japan this week if the trip matters more.

Common collocations

Etymology

This expression comes from the ordinary English words out, of, and town. It first worked as an open phrase for being away from your usual place, and later became a hyphenated adjective before nouns such as out-of-town shopping centre or out-of-town visitor.