Denton, city, seat of Denton County, northern Texas; settled 1840s, incorporated 1866. It is an agricultural and educational center and the seat of the University of North Texas (1890) and Texas Woman's University (1901). Its many manufactures include food products, motor vehicles, construction materials, clothing, and electrical equipment. The city is named for John B. Denton, a Texas pioneer who was killed nearby in a battle with Native Americans. Population 48,063 (1980); 66,270 (1990); 80,537 (2000).