state

play

noun, often attributive \ˈstāt\

Definition of state

1a : mode or condition of being a state of readinessb (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 waterb : 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 rankb (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 3b states plural : the members or representatives of the governing classes assembled in a legislative bodyc 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 sovereignb : the political organization of such a body of peoplec : 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 statesb States plural : The United States of America
8 : the territory of a state

See state defined for English-language learners

See state defined for kids

Examples of state in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of state from the Web

The program won 68 games, made back-to-back state tournament appearances and won the Class 5A title in 2016.

— brian gosset, star-telegram, "Grapevine baseball coach Tommy Maddox named head coach at Decatur", 6 July 2017
One of Germany’s states has provided a big boost for biologists who want to decipher the genomes of organisms that don’t get much attention.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Germans provide big boost for sequencing often ignored organisms", 6 July 2017
On an official state visit to Poland Thursday afternoon to deliver a speech in Warsaw, Trump met with Polish president Andrzej Duda and his wife, First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda.

— devon ivie, Glamour, "Watch Poland's First Lady Reject a Handshake With Donald Trump", 6 July 2017
Rhodes was Easley’s coach at Oscar F. Smith High School in Chesapeake, Va., where Easley became the first player in state history to rush and pass for over 1,000 yards in one season.

— bob condotta, The Seattle Times, "Seahawk Hall of Famer Kenny Easley to be presented by high school coach at induction next month", 5 July 2017
Judging by per-capita income, the wealthiest state in the U.S. is ____________.

— rosa inocencio smith, The Atlantic, "The Atlantic Daily: Missiles and Methane", 5 July 2017
Sunni Gulf states are said to be considering their involvement, but have contributed next to nothing.

— The Economist, "Islamic State nears its end", 5 July 2017
Pictured from left are John Maravecek, past grand knight; Tom West, state soccer challenge chairman; Israel Cortez Jr., International Soccer Challenge champion; Israel’s father, Israel Cortez Sr.

— michelle mullins, Naperville Sun, "Naperville People in the News", 5 July 2017
Boise Fire Chief Dennis Doan has repeatedly opposed this loophole, and some state legislators have unsuccessfully sought to outlaw the sales of aerial fireworks.

— ruth brown, idahostatesman, "Illegal-fireworks calls flood dispatchers over Fourth of July", 5 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of state

Middle English stat, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French estat, from Latin status, from stare to stand — more at stand

NEW!

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

state

verb

Definition of state

stated

;

stating

transitive verb
1 : to set by regulation or authority
2 : to express the particulars of especially in words : report; broadly : to express in words

statable

stateable

play \ˈstā-tə-bəl\ adjective

See state defined for English-language learners

Examples of state in a Sentence

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.

First Known Use of state

1647

STATE Defined for English Language Learners

state

play

noun

Definition of state for English Language Learners

: a way of living or existing
: the overall physical condition of something : the ability of something to be used, enjoyed, etc.
: the things that affect the way you think or feel : your physical or mental condition

state

verb

Definition of state for English Language Learners

: to express (something) formally in speech or writing
: to give (specific information, instructions, rules, etc.) in writing

STATE Defined for Kids

state

play

noun \ˈstāt\

Definition of state for Students

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

play

verb

Definition of state for Students

stated

;

stating

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.

Medical Dictionary

state

play

noun \ˈstāt\

Medical Definition of state

: mode or condition of being: asa: condition of mind or temperament a manic stateb: a condition or stage in the physical being of something the gaseous state of water

Law Dictionary

state

noun , often attrib

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 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