constabulary
1 Americannoun
plural
constabularies-
the body of constables of a district.
-
a body of officers of the peace organized on a military basis.
adjective
noun
adjective
Etymology
Origin of constabulary1
1350–1400; < Medieval Latin constabulāria, feminine of constabulārius constabulary 2; replacing Middle English constablerie < Old French < Medieval Latin as above
Origin of constabulary2
Explanation
You can refer to a police force as a constabulary. If your mother and your grandfather were both police officers, you might want to follow the family tradition and join the constabulary as well. You're most likely to use this word if you live in the United Kingdom, where police officers are known as constables and individual county police forces are often called constabularies. In the U.S., the term is reserved for specially assembled forces, like the ones established in foreign countries following wars — the U.S. constabulary in Germany after World War II is one example.
Vocabulary lists containing constabulary
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The inquiry heard Sanders had noted that a coordinated media release, with families affected, would be required, adding it could have a "significant impact on the reputation of the constabulary".
From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026
He added: "I believe the school tried to use the police to close down legitimate inquiries, and for some reason the constabulary played along."
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2025
“In the meantime, I would like to assure residents and criminals alike that the constabulary will be operating as normal, keeping our residents safe, and preventing and detecting crime.”
From BBC • Oct. 7, 2024
Couzens, 51, joined Kent Police as a special constable in 2002 and became an officer with the Civil Nuclear constabulary in 2011.
From BBC • Feb. 29, 2024
The headquarters of the constabulary are at Enniskillen.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 3 "Fenton, Edward" to "Finistere" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
