city-state

noun

ˈsi-tē-ˌstāt 

 also  -ˈstāt

: an autonomous state consisting of a city and surrounding territory

Examples of city-state in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Trailblazer and their companions will travel to another city-state in the hopes of peacefully securing the next Coreflame, though – predictably – some challenges arise along the way. —Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025

Rather, in the tradition of the Seabury Commission that investigated Walker, a joint city-state body, composed of qualified persons with minimal political attachments, can take a hard look at the charges against the mayor. —Christian Browne, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2025

This city-state packs a world of experiences into its ever-changing skyline and sprawling gardens. —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 12 Feb. 2025

For most of history, empires, kingdoms, and city-states defined political organization. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for city-state

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

city-state

noun

ˈsit-ē-ˈstāt,

-ˌstāt

: a self-governing state consisting of a city and surrounding territory