governments

gov-ern-ments · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Plural of government; the groups of people with the authority to govern countries or states.

  2. 2.

    The systems by which nations or communities are governed.

  3. 3.

    The periods during which particular groups hold power.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    foreign governments — The administrations of other countries
  • •
    local governments — Municipal or regional authorities
  • •
    world governments — National administrations considered collectively

Related words

See also: administration, govern, government, state
Synonyms: administrations, authorities, regimes

Etymology

Plural of government, from Old French governement, from governer ("to govern"), from Latin gubernare ("to steer, govern").