red state

American  

[red steyt] / ˈrɛd ˌsteɪt /

noun

U.S. Politics.

1. a state of the U.S. that usually votes Republican.

---

Etymology

Origin of red state

With reference to the color used on maps in televised coverage of the 2000 U.S. presidential election to show the states won by the Republican candidate

Compare meaning

How does red-state compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• blue state vs. red state

Example Sentences

Others, such as Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Laura Kelly of Kansas, modeled a winning red state Democratic style, focusing on the economic challenges of their constituents.

From Salon • Dec. 30, 2025

One of the things that we have to acknowledge, too, is that although we haven’t had the traditionally red state join us, sometimes people come to meetings and just listen in and share ideas.

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

Hunter’s spiritually searching plays offering acute portraits of red state America appealed to Flynn’s metaphysical and sociopolitical sides.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2024

In Oklahoma City, the heart of a red state, a 5-mile streetcar line opened downtown in 2018.

From Seattle Times • May 3, 2024

David Faris explains why Andy Beshear is likely to get elected—for a second time!—to lead a very red state, and what the national party could stand to learn from his example.

From Slate • Oct. 25, 2023