guberniya

noun

gu·​ber·​ni·​ya

variants or gubernia

güˈbernē(y)ə

plural -s

1

: a territorial subdivision of prerevolutionary Russia

2

: a former provincial soviet compare oblast

Word History

Etymology

Russian guberniya government, guberniya, probably from Polish gubernja, from Latin gubernare to govern

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now