city-state

[ sit-ee-steyt ]

noun

1. a sovereign state consisting of an autonomous city and, especially historically, any dependent settlements or territories:

   The Corinthian order of architecture is named for its legendary origin in the ancient Greek city-state of Corinth.

   Singapore’s role in shaping global entrepreneurship has further strengthened that city-state's position in the world economy.

city-state

noun

1. a state consisting of a sovereign city and its dependencies. Among the most famous are the great independent cities of the ancient world, such as Athens, Sparta, Carthage, Thebes, Corinth, and Rome

Word History and Origins

Origin of city-state¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

He said he wanted to build a new city-state, somewhere on the Mediterranean coast.

From BBC

Singapore was once known as an affluent and strait-laced city-state.

From New York Times

The city-state, one of seven hereditarily ruled, autocratic sheikhdoms that make up the UAE, provided Emirates some $4 billion in a bailout at the height of the pandemic.

From Seattle Times

The financial health of the carrier Emirates has served as a barometer for the aviation industry worldwide and the wider economic health of this city-state.

From Seattle Times

Apple pledged to invest over $250 million to expand its campus in the city-state.

From Seattle Times