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polis

noun po·lis \ ˈpä-ləs \
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Definition of polis

plural poleis play \ˈpä-ˌlās\
: a Greek city-state; broadly : a state or society especially when characterized by a sense of community

Recent Examples of polis from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of polis

Greek — more at police

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

-polis

noun combining form

Definition of -polis

: city
  • megalopolis

Origin and Etymology of -polis

Late Latin, from Greek, from polis

Learn More about polis

  1. See words that rhyme with polis Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polis

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