Commonwealth
/ˈkɒmənˌwɛlθ/
Definitions
- (n.) A political community founded for the common good, often a group of states or nations united by shared interests or legislation.
The Commonwealth of Nations promotes cooperation among member countries.
- (n.) A self-governing political entity such as a state or territory within a country, notably in the US and some other nations.
Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States.
Forms
- commonwealths
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Use ‘commonwealth’ to emphasize collective governance or political association; distinguish from 'state' by context.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.