state

noun, often attributive

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\ ˈstāt

Definition of state

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : mode or condition of being a state of readiness

b(1) : condition of mind or temperament in a highly nervous state

(2) : a condition of abnormal tension or excitement

2a : a condition or stage in the physical being of something insects in the larval state the gaseous state of water

b : any of various conditions characterized by definite quantities (as of energy, angular momentum, or magnetic moment) in which an atomic system may exist

3a : social position especially : high rank

b(1) : elaborate or luxurious style of living

(2) : formal dignity : pomp —usually used with in

4a : a body of persons constituting a special class in a society : estate sense 3

b states plural : the members or representatives of the governing classes assembled in a legislative body

c obsolete : a person of high rank (as a noble)

5a : a politically organized body of people usually occupying a definite territory especially : one that is sovereign

b : the political organization of such a body of people

c : a government or politically organized society having a particular character a police state the welfare state

6 : the operations or concerns of the government of a country

7a : one of the constituent units of a nation having a federal government the fifty states

b States plural : The United States of America

8 : the territory of a state

state

verb

stated; stating

Definition of state (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to set by regulation or authority

2 : to express the particulars of especially in words : report broadly : to express in words

Other Words from state Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing state Learn More About state

Examples of state in a Sentence

Noun Happiness is the state or condition of being happy. We must keep our armed forces in a constant state of readiness. She meditates to achieve a higher state of being. The building is in such a sorry state that it's hardly worth fixing. water in a gaseous state the solid and liquid states the member states of the United Nations Security Council Verb The lawyer will state the facts of the case. He stated his name in full. I was merely stating an opinion. “This is a difficult situation,” he stated simply. Please state the purpose of your visit. I'd like to state for the record that I disagree with the board's decision. For the reasons stated above, I hereby withdraw from the competition. The rules clearly state that you can only draw one card. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Iowa, of course, is the first state to caucus each presidential primary cycle. — Alexandra Marquez, NBC News, 10 Aug. 2022 Even if Russia is a state in decline, its military power won’t fade overnight. — John R. Deni And Michael O’hanlon, WSJ, 10 Aug. 2022 Here are the programs currently in existence in the state: IndyRent: Tenants who live in Marion County and are facing active eviction may apply for emergency rental assistance through the city's IndyRent program. — The Indianapolis Star, 10 Aug. 2022 California, which was the only state to reach more than $6 per gallon, is now averaging $5.42 per gallon. — oregonlive, 9 Aug. 2022 Vermont is the only state in the country that hasn't sent a woman to Capitol Hill as a member of Congress. — Rick Klein, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2022 Indiana is the first state to actually enact a new antiabortion law since the court’s ruling. — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 9 Aug. 2022 Vermont is only state that hasn't sent woman to Congress. — Editors, USA TODAY, 9 Aug. 2022 But plasma physics is a huge field, since plasma itself is just another state of matter. — Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 8 Aug. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Listings on retailers like Amazon should state clearly which networks a device will be compatible with. — Julian Chokkattu, Wired, 1 July 2022 The Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest, that all participating broadcasters agree upon, clearly state that the event can be moved in a force majeure situation such as an ongoing war. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 23 June 2022 The agreement must state that the employee may, in writing, revoke their consent. — Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2022 Prospective candidates should state their qualifications and experience and send their resumes to RyanC@essexheritage.org. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 18 June 2022 Court documents did not state if Smith had an attorney, reported The Washington Post, which added that his bond was set at $100,000. — Giovana Gelhoren, PEOPLE.com, 27 July 2022 Noblesville's Kiana Siefert advanced to state in four events. — David Woods, The Indianapolis Star, 25 May 2022 In all four cases, Murdaugh is alleged to have used funds meant for his clients for his personal use, those indictments state. — Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 14 July 2022 Charging documents state the killing happened at 150 Pecan Road, just outside of Greenville’s city limits. — Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 13 July 2022 See More

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

Learn More About state

Dictionary Entries Near state

statant

state

state's attorney

Statistics for state

Last Updated

12 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“State.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/state. Accessed 16 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for state

state

noun

\ ˈstāt

Kids Definition of state

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : manner or condition of being Steam is water in the gaseous state. … the health inspector was rather picky about the state of the cafeteria …— Pam Zollman, Don't Bug Me

2 : a body of people living in a certain territory under one government : the government of such a body of people

3 : one of the divisions of a nation having a federal government the United States of America

state

verb

stated; stating

Kids Definition of state (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to express especially in words I'm just stating my opinion.

2 : to set by rule, law, or authority The rules of the contest are stated below.

state

noun

\ ˈstāt

Medical Definition of state

: mode or condition of being: as

a : condition of mind or temperament a manic state

b : a condition or stage in the physical being of something the gaseous state of water

state

noun, often attributive

Legal Definition of state

1a : a politically organized body of people usually occupying a definite territory especially : one that is sovereign

b : the political organization that has supreme civil authority and political power and serves as the basis of government — see also compelling state interest at interest sense 3a, separation of church and state

c : a government or politically organized society having a particular character a police state

2 : the operations or concerns of the government of a country : the sphere of administration and supreme political power of a country (as in international relations) secrets of state affairs of state

3a : one of the constituent units of a nation having a federal government specifically : one of the fifty such units comprising the great part of the U.S. — see also state law

b : the territory of a state