country

1 of 2

noun

coun·​try ˈkən-trē How to pronounce country (audio)
plural countries
1
: an indefinite usually extended expanse of land : region
miles of open country
2
a
: the land of a person's birth, residence, or citizenship
left their country for America
b
: a political state or nation or its territory
the country of Italy
3
a
: the people of a state or district : populace
Most of the country voted to end the death penalty.
b
: jury
c
: electorate sense 2
The government will go to the country with this issue.
4
: rural as distinguished from urban areas
prefers the country to the city
5
6
countryish adjective

country

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the country
country living
2
a
: of or relating to a decorative style associated with life in the country
an English country look
also : possessing a style of rustic simplicity
country furniture
b
: prepared or processed with farm supplies and procedures
country ham
3
: of, relating to, suitable for, or featuring country music
country singers

Did you know?

The English word country is derived from Latin contra, which means “against” or “on the opposite side.” In Medieval Latin the noun contrata was formed from contra. Contrata was literally “that which is situated opposite the beholder.” But that which is opposite the beholder is just what he or she sees. So contrata meant “landscape.” It also came to mean “expanse of land, region.” This was the original meaning of English country, which over the years has itself developed a number of new meanings.

Examples of country in a Sentence

Noun The two countries have a lot in common. They drove across the country from California to New York. They are living in different parts of the country. The whole country was stunned by the news. The President has the support of most of the country. He moved to the north country to fish and hunt. We went camping in the hill country. They drove through miles of open country. She lives out in the country. They prefer the country to the city. Adjective plain country living among unpretentious people
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Globally, over 73% of employers across 10 countries, including the U.K., Germany and Japan, have faced a similar dilemma after calling time on remote work. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 Produced in partnership with market research firm Statista, the ranking is based largely on survey responses from approximately 100,000 women working for multinational corporations across 37 countries. Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Adjective
To some, the look echoed what has been a big night for country music—especially for non-country musicians. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2024 Gorley, 45, has written hits for a raft of country artists, as well as such non-country artists as Bon Jovi and Jason Derulo. Paul Grein, Billboard, 13 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for country 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'country.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Middle English contree, from Anglo-French cuntree, contré, from Medieval Latin contrata, from Latin contra against, on the opposite side

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of country was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near country

Cite this Entry

“Country.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/country. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

country

1 of 2 noun
coun·​try ˈkən-trē How to pronounce country (audio)
plural countries
1
: an indefinite usually large stretch of land : region
hill country
2
a
: the land of a person's birth, residence, or citizenship
b
: a nation or its territory
3
: the people of a state or district : populace
4
: the open rural area outside of big towns and cities
lives out in the country

country

2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the country : rural, rustic

More from Merriam-Webster on country

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