government
n. C / Un. the group of people who lead a country or a city and make its laws. You use this to talk about the system that runs a nation.
n. the system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state. It encompasses the exercise of political authority and the administration of public policy.
The government plans to build a new hospital next year.
Citizens often vote in elections to choose which political party will form the next government.
Effective democratic governance requires a transparent government that remains accountable to its electorate through a system of checks and balances.
From Middle English governement, from Old French governement (modern French gouvernement), from governer (see govern) + -ment. Morphologically govern + -ment. Displaced native Old English gerec, leodweard, ræden, rǣding and ealdordōm.
Often takes a singular verb in American English, but can take a plural verb in British English when referring to the members as a group.
The government are making a law.The government is making a law.In many learner contexts, especially following American English standards, 'government' is treated as a singular collective noun.