countryman

[ kuhn-tree-muhn ]

noun

, plural coun·try·men.

1. a native or inhabitant of one's own country.

   Synonyms: landsman, compatriot

   Antonyms: foreigner

2. a native or inhabitant of a particular region.
3. a person who lives in the country.

   Synonyms: peasant, farmer, rustic

4. an unsophisticated person, as one who lives in or comes from a rural area; rustic.

countryman

/ ˈkʌntrɪmən /

noun

1. a person who lives in the country
2. a person from a particular country or from one's own country (esp in the phrase fellow countryman )

Gender Note

Is countryman gender-neutral? See -man.

Derived Forms

• ˈcountryˌwoman, noun:feminine

Word History and Origins

Origin of countryman¹

First recorded in 1275–1325, countryman is from Middle English contre man. See country, man

Example Sentences

But President Boko told the BBC Africa Daily podcast that his initiative would also be an opportunity for his countrymen to learn basic skills, like welding and plumbing, from Zimbabweans.

From BBC

He described how the gangs had evolved in recent years from informal groups supporting their own countrymen to “networks organised much like drug gangs”.

From BBC

They absolutely understood that they did not win the election, but they didn't care because they wanted to take power, even if it was not the choice, not the will of their countrymen.

From Salon

And while his thoughts are now focused on Paris, they’re also focused on his countrymen.

From BBC

My goal is that we can see through the ways they present themselves and understand the truth of their ambitions for control—of women, of their countrymen, of their larger geo-political region.”

From BBC

Related Words

• compatriot