city-state

American  

[sit-ee-steyt] / ˈsɪt iˌsteɪt /

noun

1. a sovereign state consisting of an autonomous city and, especially historically, any dependent settlements or territories.

   The Corinthian order of architecture is named for its legendary origin in the ancient Greek city-state of Corinth.

   Singapore’s role in shaping global entrepreneurship has further strengthened that city-state's position in the world economy.

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city-state British  

noun

1. a state consisting of a sovereign city and its dependencies. Among the most famous are the great independent cities of the ancient world, such as Athens, Sparta, Carthage, Thebes, Corinth, and Rome

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Etymology

Origin of city-state

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

The partnership could drive a cluster of new economy companies to the city-state and help differentiate Singapore from its peer Hong Kong, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal

At least 12 vessels were searching an area of around 250 square nautical miles, roughly the same size as the city-state of Singapore.

From Barron's

Romlis said at least 12 vessels were searching for survivors in an area of around 250 square nautical miles, roughly the same size as the city-state of Singapore.

From Barron's

He is credited with transforming the former British colony into a wealthy city-state in just a little over 30 years.

From Barron's

For history-loving travelers, this has been a mixed blessing, as the city-state has gained a reputation for knocking down historic structures for malls with an energy that outstrips Las Vegas.

From The Wall Street Journal