head of state

noun phrase

: the leader of a country
a meeting of heads of state

Examples of head of state in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By Friday afternoon, solidarity for Meloni had poured in from across the government and political spectrum, and included a call from President Sergio Mattarella, Italy’s respected head of state. Nicole Winfield, Fortune, 20 June 2026 By Friday afternoon, solidarity with Meloni had poured in from across the government and political spectrum, and included a call from President Sergio Mattarella, Italy’s widely respected head of state. ABC News, 19 June 2026 Italian officials close ranks around Meloni By Friday afternoon, solidarity with Meloni had poured in from across the government and political spectrum, including a call from President Sergio Mattarella, Italy’s widely respected head of state. Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 Cafe Manhattan’s founding predates the country’s constitution, which was adopted in 1996 as part of the official end of apartheid and signed by South Africa’s first Black head of state, Nelson Mandela. Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for head of state

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Head of state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head%20of%20state. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster