city-state
noun
ˈsi-tē-ˌstāt 
also -ˈstāt
: an autonomous state consisting of a city and surrounding territory
Examples of city-state in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When Singapore gained independence in 1965 after its separation from Malaysia, few expected the small city-state — which turns 60 on Saturday — to survive.
—
Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025
Consequently, Persia abandoned its westward expansion, while various Greek city-states formed a tenuous alliance that lasted nearly 50 years.
—Debbie Felton, The Conversation, 8 Aug. 2025
Singapore and Monaco are city-states that aren't divided into smaller sections.
—Meena Thiruvengadam, CNBC, 27 July 2025
Walk around the block in the colonial heartland of this affluent city-state and tourists are snapping away at famous 19th century hotel Raffles, while others make a beeline for the opulent Long Bar where the original Singapore Sling cocktail was concocted.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
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Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025
Consequently, Persia abandoned its westward expansion, while various Greek city-states formed a tenuous alliance that lasted nearly 50 years.
—Debbie Felton, The Conversation, 8 Aug. 2025
Singapore and Monaco are city-states that aren't divided into smaller sections.
—Meena Thiruvengadam, CNBC, 27 July 2025
Walk around the block in the colonial heartland of this affluent city-state and tourists are snapping away at famous 19th century hotel Raffles, while others make a beeline for the opulent Long Bar where the original Singapore Sling cocktail was concocted.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for city-state
Cite this Entry
“City-state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/city-state. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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