united states Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun 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
   USA; the States; U.S.A.; U.S.; US; United States of America; America.
   
2. noun the executive and legislative and judicial branches of the federal government of the United States
   United States government; U.S.; US Government; U.S. government.
   

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