county — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The land ruled by a count or a countess.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Historical
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   countshipcountdom

   Examples

   The first of the principalities of the Low Countries to take clear shape was the county of Flanders.

2. An administrative or geographical region of various countries, including Bhutan, Canada, China, Croatia, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and 47 of the 50 United States (excluding Alaska, Connecticut, and Louisiana).

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Entire states such as California, Illinois and New York are now sanctuaries, as well as major cities and counties such as Fairfax, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and the District of Columbia in the capital region, according to the list. […] FAIR says the county is a sanctuary because it tells police not to ask about immigration status even during an arrest.

3. A definitive geographic region, without direct administrative functions.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   traditional county

4. A jail operated by a county government.

   Usage

   • US usage
   • Slang
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   He can't come; he's up in the county for agg assault.

   Okay gentlemen, you've both been to county before, I'm sure. Here it comes.

Adjective

1. Characteristic of a ‘county family’; representative of the gentry or aristocracy of a county.

   Examples

   Now, in the district around Chipping Carby, the County Families are very County indeed, few more so.

   She was a tall girl and county, with Hilary's walk: she seemed to topple even when she sat.

   More examples (2)

   The other two, like many of her characters, have fallen on harder times: Joan's family has recently lost her father, a small flour-mill owner -- described by a supporter as more "county" than the upstart newcomers who covet their property ...

   Susan Dean realises that her secretary, Eleanor Grantly, is much more county than she ever will be, because Eleanor knows all the Barsetshire family connections and is connected herself.

Noun

1. (United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

   Broader terms

   regionpart

   Examples

   the county has a population of 12,345 people

2. (United States) the largest administrative district within a state

   Broader terms

   administrative districtadministrative divisionterritorial division

   Examples

   the county plans to build a new road