Free State

noun

1. U.S. History. (before the Civil War) a state in which slavery was prohibited.
2. Irish Free State.

Free State

noun

1. a province of central South Africa; replaced the former province of Orange Free State in 1994: gold and uranium mining. Capital: Bloemfontein. Pop: 2 950 661 (2004 est). Area: 129 480 sq km (49 992 sq miles)
2. history (before the Civil War) any state prohibiting slavery
3. short for Irish Free State

Word History and Origins

Origin of Free State¹

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

She was born in Welkom, in Free State province, to a Malawian father and a Zulu mother.

From BBC

University of the Free State sociologist Dr Nombulelo Shange links this hostility to South Africa's history of racism and the apartheid system - which imposed a strict hierarchy that privileged white people.

From BBC

They were among the tens of thousands of troops from the UK and the Irish Free State who formed part of the world’s largest sea and air invasion.

From BBC

“Welcome to the Free State of Florida!,” the Republican wrote, before making a dig about rising retail theft in the couple’s home state.

From Los Angeles Times

WELKOM, South Africa — Intertribal rioting broke out again at the Free State gold mine during the night, with Xhosa and Basotho miners attacking one another, the police said today.

From New York Times