# commonwealth

/ˈkɑmənˌwɛɫθ/ (US) · /kˈɒmənwˌɛlθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commonwealth
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the Commonwealth of Nations

noun · CEFR B2

an international group of 56 countries, most of which were once part of the British Empire.

For teachers: The Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of independent sovereign states, mostly former territories of the British Empire.

- Leaders from across the Commonwealth met in London to discuss climate change.
- The Commonwealth Games are held every four years, fostering athletic competition among member states while celebrating their shared historical ties.

Usage: Usually capitalized as 'the Commonwealth' when referring to this specific international body.

### 3. the English Commonwealth

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the period in the 17th century when England was a republic and did not have a king or queen.

For teachers: The period from 1649 to 1660 when England, and later Scotland and Ireland, were governed as a republic after the execution of Charles I.

- Students are studying the rise of Oliver Cromwell during the Commonwealth.
- The establishment of the Commonwealth marked a radical departure from traditional monarchical rule, though it eventually transitioned into a military protectorate.

## Examples

- Many countries in the Commonwealth compete in the games every four years.
- The leaders of the Commonwealth met to discuss trade agreements and environmental protection across their member states.
- While the modern Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent nations, its historical roots lie in the gradual decolonisation of the British Empire throughout the twentieth century.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.