united states meaning and definition

UNITED STATES noun

Definition of United States (noun)

1. North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
   • synonyms: America, the States, U.S., U.S.A., United States of America, US, USA
2. the executive and legislative and judicial branches of the federal government of the United States
   • synonyms: U.S., U.S. government, United States government, US Government