plural states
1
a
: a way of living or existing
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.
b
: the overall physical condition of something : the ability of something to be used, enjoyed, etc.
The museum restored the painting to its original state. [=condition]
The building is in such a sorry state that it's hardly worth fixing.
The car is in a good/bad state of repair. [=the car is in good/bad condition]
c
: the things that affect the way you think or feel : your physical or mental condition
her mental/emotional state
By the time I arrived, he was in quite a state. [=he was very upset, worried, angry, etc.]
—often + ofThey were in a state of shock/confusion. [=they were shocked/confused]
I'm worried about the state of her health.
The drug creates an altered state of consciousness.
an unhappy state of mind
She was in no (fit) state [=in no condition] to drive. [=she was too sick, drunk, etc., to drive]
d
: the things that affect the way something is or happens : the characteristics of a situation
What is the company's financial state? [=condition]
—often + ofthe current/present state of the economy
Her life is in a state of complete chaos.
The empire fell into a state of decline.
The country is in a state of war. [=the country is at war]
Tonight the President will give the State of the Union address. [=an annual speech given to the U.S. Congress by the President to report on the state of the country]
2
: the fact of being a liquid, solid, or gas
water in a gaseous state
the solid and liquid states
3
a
: a politically organized group of people usually occupying a definite territory : nation
African/Arabic states
the member states of the United Nations Security Council
b
: a particular kind of government or politically organized society
4
a
: a region of a country that is controlled by the country's central government but that has the authority to make its own laws about certain things
the 50 states of the U.S.
Chihuahua is a state in northern Mexico.
Vermont was the only New England state to pass the law.
the state legislature
state and federal laws
state lines/borders
This matter falls under state jurisdiction.
Today is a state holiday here. [=it is an official holiday in this state but not nationally]
—often used in combinationa state-run program
state-funded scholarships
This land is state-owned.
b
informal
: the United States of America
My cousin from England is coming to visit me in the States.
The band plans to tour the States.
5
: the government of a country
matters of state [=government business]
the separation of church and state
a crown worn only on state occasions
The President will make a state visit to China.
the (U.S.) Department of State = the State Department [=the part of the U.S. government that is responsible for how the U.S. deals with other countries]
states; stated; stating
1
: to express (something) formally in speech or writing
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.
She accused me of stating the obvious. [=telling people things they already know]
2
: to give (specific information, instructions, rules, etc.) in writing
The rules clearly state that you can only draw one card.
—often used as (be) statedThe rules of the contest are stated at the bottom of the page.
You must comply with the terms as stated [=written, specified] in the contract.
Cite this Entry
“State.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/state. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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