state

noun, often attributive

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\ 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 Phrases Containing state Learn More About state

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The state championships are normally split into two days of competition, but were consolidated into one day due to the weather. — Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2022 And a new Wisconsin poll shows tight races across the state. — Mark Murray, NBC News, 23 June 2022 Across the state, 65.3% of Alaskans 5 and up as well as military personnel had completed their primary vaccine series. — Anchorage Daily News, 23 June 2022 Meanwhile, the Utah Homelessness Council is working on a strategic plan to continue addressing these issues across the state. — Blake Apgar, The Salt Lake Tribune, 22 June 2022 Held in part with the James Beard Foundation, an inaugural food and wine festival in San Antonio will showcase a Texas-sized event with culinary and beverage all-stars from across the state and around the United States. — Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 21 June 2022 On July 11, motorcycle enthusiasts from across the state will gather at Valley Diner in Derby for an annual fundraiser to help the family from West Haven with the astronomical expenses related to her care that aren’t covered by insurance. — Pam Mcloughlin, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2022 Transgender advocates oppose any regulation before high school, when no college scholarships or state championships are at stake. — David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2022 Master Camacho Martial Arts is a school that has won multiple state championships. — Javier Arce, The Arizona Republic, 19 June 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Last, the retainer agreements often state something to the effect that the advisor is not providing tax or accounting advice. — Daniel Mayo, Forbes, 21 June 2022 The company continues to state that its products have not been directly linked to the infections, which involved different bacterial strains. — Tom Murphy And Laura Ungar, Anchorage Daily News, 16 June 2022 The company continues to state that its products have not been directly linked to the infections, which involved different bacterial strains. — CBS News, 16 June 2022 Neronha said his office will not file a lawsuit in the matter, but like all members of the public, Cienki has the right to bypass his office and go directly to state Superior Court. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 6 June 2022 The company continues to state that its products have not been directly linked to the infections, which involved different bacterial strains. — al, 4 June 2022 The company continues to state that its products have not been directly linked to the infections, which involved different bacterial strains. — Matthew Perrone, Detroit Free Press, 4 June 2022 The company continues to state that its products have not been directly linked to the infections, which involved different bacterial strains. — Matthew Perrone, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2022 The company continues to state that its products have not been directly linked to the infections, which involved different bacterial strains. — Matthew Perrone, ajc, 4 June 2022 See More

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.

Learn More About state

Dictionary Entries Near state

statant

state

state's attorney

Statistics for state

Last Updated

25 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“State.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/state. Accessed 27 Jun. 2022.

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More Definitions for state

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

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