First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1country
noun coun·try \ˈkən-trē\
: an area of land that is controlled by its own government
the country : the people who live in a country
: an area or region that has a particular quality or feature or is known for a particular activity.
plural countries
Full Definition of COUNTRY
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 b : a political state or nation or its territory
3
4
: rural as distinguished from urban areas <prefers the country to the city>
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Origin of COUNTRY
Middle English contree, from Anglo-French cuntree, contré, from Medieval Latin contrata, from Latin contra against, on the opposite side
Related to COUNTRY
- Synonyms
- fatherland, home, homeland, mother country, motherland, sod
Other Government and Politics Terms
2country
adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the country
: of or relating to country music
Full Definition of COUNTRY
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the country
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>
See country defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of COUNTRY
14th century
Other Ecology Terms
COUNTRY Defined for Kids
country
noun coun·try \ˈkən-trē\
plural coun·tries
Definition of COUNTRY for Kids
1
: a land lived in by a people with a common government <the countries of Europe>
3
: open rural land away from big towns and cities <Take a ride in the country.>
4
: the people of a nation <a whole country in revolt>
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