Word of the day · 14 May 2026
government
/ˈɡʌvənmənt/
noun
The system or group of people that governs a community or state; also the act of governing.
In a sentence
- Local government set new rules for street vendors.
- The government resigned after losing a confidence vote.
- Transparency reports watch how government spends tax money.
In an image
Origin
From Old French governement, from Latin gubernare (to steer, rule), originally a nautical metaphor for guiding a ship.
History
Government covers cabinets, agencies and the broader state apparatus, depending on context. In parliamentary countries it can mean the current ruling ministry. Civics searches rise when elections or crises put the word in every headline. The steering metaphor still fits: public power directed somewhere.
Nearby words
administration · state · authority
The machinery and people who make and enforce public rules.