plural countries
1
a
: an area of land that is controlled by its own government : nation
The two countries have a lot in common.
European/foreign countries
They drove across the country from California to New York.
They are living in different parts of the country.
b
: the people who live in a country
The whole country was stunned by the news.
The President has the support of most of the country.
2
: an area or region that has a particular quality or feature or is known for a particular activity.
He moved to the north country to fish and hunt.
We went camping in the hill country.
They drove through miles of open country.
We took a trip to wine country. [=an area where grapes are grown and wine is made]
3
: land that is away from big towns and cities : countryside
She lives out in the country.
They prefer the country to the city.
4
: country music
She loves country and rock.
always used before a noun
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the country
a country town/road
country living/comforts
country folk
2
: of or relating to country music
a country singer
country radio
Cite this Entry
“Country.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/country. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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