Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A federal republic in North America: A country comprising 50 states, 48 of which are located in the central part of the North American continent, with Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. It achieved independence from Great Britain in 1776.
   • The federal government of this republic: Refers specifically to the collective executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the national government based in Washington, D.C.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun (Country):
  • She moved to the United States to attend university.
  • The United States is a major global economy.
• Proper noun (Government):
  • The policy was strongly opposed by the United States.
  • The United States filed a legal brief with the court.

Advanced Usage

• "The United States of America": The full official name of the country, often abbreviated as USA or U.S.A.
  • The treaty was signed by the United States of America and Canada.
• "The United States government": A more explicit phrase to specify the federal government entity.
  • The United States government announced new fiscal measures.

Variants and Related Words

• U.S. (abbreviation): A common abbreviation for the United States.
  • The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
• USA (abbreviation): Another common abbreviation, often used in international contexts.
  • The team from the USA won the gold medal.
• American (adjective): Of or relating to the United States.
  • She is an American citizen.
• Federal (adjective): Pertaining to the national government of the United States, as distinct from state governments.
  • He works for the federal government.

Synonyms

• America: A common synonym for the country, though technically referring to the continents.
  • He has always wanted to visit America.
• The States (informal): A casual term for the United States.
  • She's returning to the States next week.

Related Phrases

• In the United States: Indicates location or occurrence within the country's borders.
  • This product is sold in the United States and Canada.
• Of the United States: Denotes possession, origin, or affiliation with the country or its government.
  • She is a citizen of the United States.

Noun

1. the executive and legislative and judicial branches of the federal government of the United States
2. North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776