Main Entry: ¹coun·try

Pronunciation: \ˈkən-trē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural countries

Etymology: Middle English contree, from Anglo-French cuntree, contré, from Medieval Latin contrata, from Latin contra against, on the opposite side

Date: 13th century

1 : an indefinite usually extended expanse of land : region <miles of open country>
2 a : the land of a person's birth, residence, or citizenship b : a political state or nation or its territory
3 a : the people of a state or district : populace b : jury c : electorate 2
4 : rural as distinguished from urban areas <prefers the country to the city>
5 : country music

— coun·try·ish \-trē-ish\ adjective