Meaning of federal in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈfɛd(ə)rəl/

   US accent

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   UK accent

   How to pronounce federal in British English, in context ▾
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1. Classifying Adjective

   federal

   Definitions

   1. national

   Examples

   • « especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units »
   • « the Federal Bureau of Investigation »
   • « federal courts »
   • « the federal highway program »
   • « federal property »

   Synonyms

   • national
2. 2. being of or having to do with the northern United States and those loyal to the Union during the Civil War

   Examples

   • « Union soldiers »
   • « Federal forces »
   • « a Federal infantryman »

   Synonyms

   • northern

3. Noun

   Federal

   Definitions

   1. a member of the Union Army during the American Civil War
4. 2. any federal law-enforcement officer

5. Qualitative Adjective

   federal

   Etymology

   mid 17th century: from Latin foedus, foeder-‘league, covenant’+ -al

   Definitions

   1. of or relating to the central government of a federation

   Examples

   • « a federal district is one set aside as the seat of the national government »
6. 2. characterized by or constituting a form of government in which power is divided between one central and several regional authorities

   Examples

   • « a federal system like that of the United States »
   • « federal governments often evolved out of confederatons »

   Antonyms

   • unitary