country

noun

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coun·try | \ ˈkən-trē

plural countries

Definition of country

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an indefinite usually extended expanse of land : region miles of open country

2a : the land of a person's birth, residence, or citizenship left their country for America

b : a political state or nation or its territory the country of Italy

3a : the people of a state or district : populace Most of the country voted to end the death penalty.

b : jury

c : electorate sense 2 The government will go to the country with this issue.

4 : rural as distinguished from urban areas prefers the country to the city

5 : country music

6 geology : country rock sense 2

country

adjective

Definition of country (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the country country living

2a : of or relating to a decorative style associated with life in the country an English country look also : possessing a style of rustic simplicity country furniture

b : prepared or processed with farm supplies and procedures country ham

3 : of, relating to, suitable for, or featuring country music country singers

Other Words from country Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about country

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Did You Know?

The English word country is derived from Latin contra, which means “against” or “on the opposite side.” In Medieval Latin the noun contrata was formed from contra. Contrata was literally “that which is situated opposite the beholder.” But that which is opposite the beholder is just what he or she sees. So contrata meant “landscape.” It also came to mean “expanse of land, region.” This was the original meaning of English country, which over the years has itself developed a number of new meanings.

Examples of country in a Sentence

Noun The two countries have a lot in common. They drove across the country from California to New York. They are living in different parts of the country. The whole country was stunned by the news. The President has the support of most of the country. He moved to the north country to fish and hunt. We went camping in the hill country. They drove through miles of open country. She lives out in the country. They prefer the country to the city. Adjective plain country living among unpretentious people

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Canada last year became the second nation — after the small South American country of Uruguay — to legalize and regulate marijuana, but legal sales of edible and vaping products are not due to begin until later this year. — BostonGlobe.com, "Vaping illness in US gives Canada pause as legal marijuana vaping sales near - The Boston Globe," 17 Sep. 2019 The work stoppage is expected to affect states across Flyover country as workers demand a new contract from the auto giant. — cleveland.com, "UAW, GM resume talks amid nationwide auto worker strike: The Flyover," 17 Sep. 2019 Get our daily newsletter Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world. — The Economist, "Climate change is making it harder to reduce poverty in Malawi," 16 Sep. 2019 Many people use their international teaching location as a safe base for low-cost traveling in nearby countries. — Katie Winterburn, San Diego Union-Tribune, "How to find great part-time work in retirement," 16 Sep. 2019 Explore both fine art and country crafts sprinkled amid rest areas with food booths, visit the parish pantry, or enter to win door prizes selected from fair exhibitors. — Elaine Rewolinski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Septemberfest, Oktoberfest, and more to do around Wisconsin this week," 15 Sep. 2019 In 18 career meetings, the home team in the cross-country battle has a record of 15-3 including each of the last five and nine of the last 10. — John Holler, USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire, "Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers odds, picks and best bets [UPDATED]," 15 Sep. 2019 In other countries, sending money is far easier, thanks to more progressive banking regulations. — Christopher Elliott, King Features Syndicate, The Mercury News, "Problem Solved: Venmo payment could not be completed, now what?," 15 Sep. 2019 However, this plan imposes logistic and financial burdens on developing countries. — Patricia L. Foster, The Conversation, "A newly designed vaccine may help stamp out remaining polio cases worldwide," 13 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'country.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.