Definition of country
countries
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 Americab : 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 : juryc : electorate 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
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of country in a Sentence
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.
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.
Origin and Etymology of country
Middle English contree, from Anglo-French cuntree, contré, from Medieval Latin contrata, from Latin contra against, on the opposite side
First Known Use: 13th century
Other Government and Politics Terms
country
Definition of country
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 furnitureb : prepared or processed with farm supplies and procedures country ham
3 : of, relating to, suitable for, or featuring country music country singers
Examples of country in a Sentence
plain country living among unpretentious people
Origin and Etymology of country
see 1country
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Ecology Terms
COUNTRY Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of country for English Language Learners
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: an area of land that is controlled by its own government
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the country : the people who live in a country
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: an area or region that has a particular quality or feature or is known for a particular activity.
country
Definition of country for English Language Learners
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: of, relating to, or characteristic of the country
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: of or relating to country music
COUNTRY Defined for Kids
Learn More about country
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for country Spanish Central: Translation of country Nglish: Translation of country for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of country for Arabic speakers
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