city-state

American  

[sit-ee-steyt] / ˈsɪt iˌsteɪt /

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 British  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of city-state

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

This could result in a stronger Singapore dollar, which should boost capital flow to the city-state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

But the city-state is fighting back, including through tough laws that can compel tech giants to clamp down on fraud -- with scam cases and losses down last year for the first time since 2021.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

The island city-state of Singapore imports 90% of its food, while all of Indonesia's wheat, for example, comes from outside the country.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

The partnership could drive a cluster of new economy companies to the city-state and help differentiate Singapore from its peer Hong Kong, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

A prosperous city-state on the east side of the island of Sicily, Syracuse had been muddling along for years under a succession of tyrants.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith