commonwealth

//ˈkɒm.ən.welθ//
C1Frequency Level 10Formal
Visual representation of commonwealth

Noun

commonwealthSingular
commonwealthsPlural
1

A political community or state founded on law and united by agreement for the common good of its citizens.

The founders envisioned a commonwealth where all citizens would have equal rights under the law.

2

An association of self-governing nations united by common allegiance, especially the Commonwealth of Nations, a group of countries formerly part of the British Empire.

Canada is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

3

The official title of certain U.S. states (such as Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky) and self-governing territories.

Massachusetts is officially known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

4

The general welfare or public good of a community.

The new policy was designed to promote the commonwealth of all citizens.