Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A self-governing commonwealth in political union with the United States, occupying the island of Puerto Rico: This term refers to the official name of the political entity comprising the main island of Puerto Rico and several smaller islands. It denotes its unique status as an organized, unincorporated U.S. territory with its own constitution and internal self-government.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has a vibrant culture that blends Taíno, Spanish, and American influences.
  • As a citizen of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, she holds U.S. citizenship.
  • The official name of the territory is the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Advanced Usage

• "The status of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico": This phrase is often used in political and legal discussions regarding the island's relationship with the United States.
  • Debates about the future status of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico continue.

Variants and Related Words

• Puerto Rico (n): The shorter, more common name for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
  • We are traveling to Puerto Rico next month.
• PR (n): The official postal abbreviation and a common shorthand for Puerto Rico.
  • Please mail the package to San Juan, PR.

Synonyms

• Puerto Rico: The most frequent synonym.
• The island: Used informally in context to refer to Puerto Rico.
• Borinquen: A poetic name derived from the Taíno name for the island, .

Related Phrases

• "Free Associated State": A translation of the Spanish term , which is the official Spanish-language designation for the Commonwealth, though its precise constitutional meaning is a subject of debate.
  • The phrase "Free Associated State" appears in the Spanish version of the Puerto Rican constitution.

Noun

1. a self-governing commonwealth associated with the United States occupying the island of Puerto Rico