# constabulary

/kənˈstæbjəˌɫɛɹi/ (US) · /kənstˈæbjʊləɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/constabulary
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a police force in a specific country or region. It is a formal word for the group of people who protect the public and keep the law.

For teachers: a police force or the collective body of police officers in a particular jurisdiction. Often used in British English to refer to the national police service.

## Examples

- The local constabulary responded quickly to the emergency.
- The national constabulary launched a new initiative to improve community relations and reduce crime rates in urban areas.
- Historical records indicate that the constabulary was established to provide a more organized and professional approach to law enforcement compared to the previous system of local watchmen.

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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.