city-state

noun
UK: /ˌsɪti steɪt/
US: /ˌsɪti steɪt/

  1. An independent country whose territory consists of a single city and depends on it.

    1. Monaco is a famous city-state in Europe.
    2. The Vatican is the smallest independent city-state, located within Rome, Italy.

  2. A small independent country, typically consisting of a single city with limited surrounding territory.

    1. Ancient Greece had many city-states like Athens.
    2. Singapore functions as a modern city-state with a robust economy and global connections.

Synonyms

polis microstate
city-state adjective

  1. Relating to or characteristic of a city-state.

    1. The city-state had its own army.
    2. The influence of the ancient city-state extended throughout the Mediterranean.
city-state adverb

  1. In the manner of a city-state; functioning as a self-governing urban center.

    1. The region operated as a city-state for many years.
    2. Although nominally part of a larger nation, it functions as a virtual city-state in many respects.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "city-state" in English means: An independent country whose territory consists of a single city and depends on it., A small independent country, typically consisting of a single city with limited surrounding territory..

The phonetic transcription of "city-state" is /ˌsɪti steɪt/ in British English and /ˌsɪti steɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "city-state": polis, microstate.

Example usage of "city-state": "Monaco is a famous city-state in Europe.". More examples on the page.