: a state of the U.S.—used officially of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia
3
often capitalized: a political unit having local autonomy but voluntarily united with the U.S.—used officially of Puerto Rico and of the Northern Mariana Islands
4
often capitalized: an association of self-governing autonomous states more or less loosely associated in a common allegiance (as to the British crown)
5
capitalized
a
: the English state from the death of Charles I in 1649 to the Restoration in 1660
laws that will benefit all the citizens of the commonwealth
Recent Examples on the WebThe commonwealth is a strong volleyball state, with UK as the defending NCAA champions and U of L as the current top team in the nation. Hayes Gardner, The Courier-Journal, 4 Dec. 2021 The commonwealth is one of two states holding gubernatorial elections this year, and the only one considered competitive in November.Washington Post, 7 June 2021 The commonwealth is one of nine states that does not have any casinos, which means residents must travel out of state to gamble. Tyler Arnold, Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2020 Youngkin said Virginia successfully competed with Arizona, New York, North Carolina and Texas for the projects, which received a number of incentives to locate in the commonwealth. Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2022 School is less than a week away for many kids across the commonwealth. Caleb Stultz, The Courier-Journal, 4 Aug. 2022 Across the Potomac River in Virginia, meanwhile, Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) is pressing forward with a goal that, if achieved, would reduce utility bills throughout the commonwealth. Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2022 The annual General Assembly session — drawing people from all corners of the commonwealth in the dead of winter — is a breeding ground for colds and flu even in normal times.Washington Post, 12 Jan. 2022 Obama's appearance in Virginia is aimed squarely at turning out the Democratic base, something the McAuliffe campaign and Democrats throughout the commonwealth have been worried about in the closing weeks of the campaign. Dan Merica, CNN, 23 Oct. 2021 See More