state

noun, often attributive

\ 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 Learn More about state

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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.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Approximately 4,620 cases of the flour were distributed to a limited number of retailers and distributors in 10 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. — Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY, "Pillsbury Best bread flour recalled in ongoing E. coli outbreak," 16 June 2019 Republicans and Democrats have produced federal and state proposals to import drugs from Canada. — Emily Rauhala, Washington Post, "As price of insulin soars, Americans caravan to Canada for lifesaving medicine," 16 June 2019 Her organization functions in several states and puts on outreach programs during large events, like Super Bowls and political conferences, which often attract traffickers. — Andrew Keiper, Fox News, "Human trafficking victims depend on advocacy groups to bridge the gap to survival," 16 June 2019 California, the most populous state, moved its primary this year to early March from early June in 2016. — Sahil Kapur, BostonGlobe.com, "Elizabeth Warren downplays her rise in polls: ‘It’s way too early’," 16 June 2019 Construction on a new state-of-the-art Planned Parenthood clinic in Birmingham, AL, is reportedly continuing on schedule, according to the Associated Press. — Tara Edwards, refinery29.com, "Planned Parenthood Is Building A Large Clinic In Alabama — Despite The Abortion Ban," 15 June 2019 There have been 1,000 cases in 28 states so far in 2019, and New York’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities have been hit particularly hard by the disease. — Catherine Kim, Vox, "Vox Sentences: Switzerland’s women are on strike," 15 June 2019 Accolades: Selected all-conference and Class 4A third team all-state. — Rick Armstrong, Aurora Beacon-News, "Announcing the 2019 Beacon-News Softball All-Area Team," 15 June 2019 Our relationships with local state and federal partners help us to save lives and make the Mid-Atlantic waters safer for everyone. — Christina Tkacik, baltimoresun.com, "Coast Guard rescues four people from boat in Anne Arundel's Herring Bay," 15 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The claim states the police officers committed battery, unlawful imprisonment, false arrest and infliction of emotional distress in addition to violating their civil rights. — Molly Hudson, azcentral, "What we know about the Phoenix police encounter with Dravon Ames and his family," 17 June 2019 In a nine-page ruling, the attorney general's office stated the Finance Cabinet failed to give Southworth a timely response or explain the delay. — Phillip M. Bailey, The Courier-Journal, "The firing of Lt. Gov. Hampton's aide has sparked a GOP civil war in Kentucky. Here's how," 17 June 2019 The affidavit stated that police found approximately 75 pool floats in a vacant house where Monnin admitted to stashing them. — Robert Gearty, Fox News, "Florida cops arrest man who said he stole pool floats to use for sex," 17 June 2019 Karen Reardon, a spokesperson for RISE, stated in an email to FairWarning. — oregonlive.com, "Son nagged by golfing dad’s death from a rare cancer; were pesticides at fault?," 15 June 2019 The 2010 Forest Service survey states the Chicago region had more than 157 million trees. — Mary Mcintyre, Lake County News-Sun, "After beetle wiped out 20% of parkway trees in Winthrop Harbor, federal grant will help restock the village," 14 June 2019 The company stated that the dealership will be the first in the region to invest in an energy efficient infrastructure that includes 386 solar panels. — Megan Rodriguez, ExpressNews.com, "Jaguar, Land Rover dealership opens in Boerne," 14 June 2019 Minnesota law states that drivers and passengers in all seating positions must be buckled up or seated in the correct child safety seat. — Forum News Service, Twin Cities, "Seat belt violations continue steady decline in Minnesota," 13 June 2019 One of the coach’s stated goals for the coming campaign is to see the Colts climb into the top-five in the NFL in rushing. — Zak Keefer, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Andrew Luck on what he's learned a year after his return to football," 11 June 2019

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.

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More Definitions for state

state

noun

English Language Learners Definition of state

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

English Language Learners Definition of state (Entry 2 of 2)

: to express (something) formally in speech or writing

: to give (specific information, instructions, rules, etc.) in writing

See the full definition for state in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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

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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