polis

noun
UK: /ˈpɒlɪs/
US: /ˈpɑːlɪs/

  1. In ancient Greece, a city-state; an independent community consisting of a city and the surrounding territory.

    1. Athens was a powerful polis in ancient Greece.
    2. Each polis developed its own unique system of government and laws.

  2. The body of citizens in an ancient Greek city-state.

    1. The polis decided to go to war.
    2. Active participation in the polis was considered a civic duty.

Synonyms

city-state community state

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "polis" in English means: In ancient Greece, a city-state; an independent community consisting of a city and the surrounding territory., The body of citizens in an ancient Greek city-state..

The phonetic transcription of "polis" is /ˈpɒlɪs/ in British English and /ˈpɑːlɪs/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

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

Example usage of "polis": "Athens was a powerful polis in ancient Greece.". More examples on the page.