the States
plural noun
informal
: the United States of America
My cousin from England is coming to visit me in the States.
Examples of the States in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Recent examples of content that would work for Lilley’s team include Skyscraper Live and Building the Band, both of which were commissioned out of the States but made by UK indies, Plimsoll Productions and Remarkable.
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Max Goldbart, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026
After launching in Europe, the Peel It Back Tour hit the States in early August, treating fans in Oakland, California, to a mix of hits and deep cuts that continue to define their legacy as a seminal force in industrial rock.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
The lack of playing time didn’t keep the talented Ducks blueliner from packing a gold medal in his suitcase for Team USA’s celebratory trip back to the States.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Most states – 38 of them – provide direct aid for school facilities, according to the Education Commission of the States.
—Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 26 Feb. 2026
In the night’s most surprising upset, Robert Aramayo from the British indie I Swear — which doesn’t get released in the States until April and was thus ineligible for MFL consideration — won Best Actor.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2026
When the idea was floated to bring a sister Montreux festival to the States, Batiste said New Orleans was on the list.
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
Britbox previously had the broadcast rights to the BAFTAs in the States in years past.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 22 Feb. 2026
Set the scene Palm Springs has long been a retreat for those seeking a restorative weekend away from the bustle of nearby Los Angeles and, come winter when the temps dip in most places around the States, those desperate for a dose of winter sun.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
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Max Goldbart, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026
After launching in Europe, the Peel It Back Tour hit the States in early August, treating fans in Oakland, California, to a mix of hits and deep cuts that continue to define their legacy as a seminal force in industrial rock.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
The lack of playing time didn’t keep the talented Ducks blueliner from packing a gold medal in his suitcase for Team USA’s celebratory trip back to the States.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Most states – 38 of them – provide direct aid for school facilities, according to the Education Commission of the States.
—Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 26 Feb. 2026
In the night’s most surprising upset, Robert Aramayo from the British indie I Swear — which doesn’t get released in the States until April and was thus ineligible for MFL consideration — won Best Actor.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2026
When the idea was floated to bring a sister Montreux festival to the States, Batiste said New Orleans was on the list.
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
Britbox previously had the broadcast rights to the BAFTAs in the States in years past.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 22 Feb. 2026
Set the scene Palm Springs has long been a retreat for those seeking a restorative weekend away from the bustle of nearby Los Angeles and, come winter when the temps dip in most places around the States, those desperate for a dose of winter sun.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“The States.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20States. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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