# Missouri

/məˈzɝə/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. US state

noun · CEFR B1

a state in the central United States, known for its large cities like Kansas City and St. Louis.

For teachers: a state located in the Midwestern United States, admitted to the Union in 1821 as the 24th state.

- We drove across Missouri on our way to see the mountains in the west.
- The political landscape of Missouri has shifted significantly over the last few decades, reflecting broader demographic trends in the American Midwest.

### 2. river

noun · CEFR B1

the longest river in North America, which flows into the Mississippi River.

For teachers: the longest river in North America, flowing over 2,300 miles from the Rocky Mountains to its confluence with the Mississippi.

- The Missouri River was a very important route for early explorers and traders.
- Heavy spring rains caused the Missouri to overflow its banks, threatening several small towns along the river valley.

### 3. indigenous people

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a group of Native American people who originally lived near the Great Lakes.

For teachers: a Siouan-speaking Native American tribe, also known as the Missouria, who historically inhabited the lower Missouri River valley.

- The state was named after the Missouri people who lived in the region.
- Scholars study the migration patterns of the Missouri to understand the complex history of Siouan-speaking tribes before European contact.

## Examples

- The family is planning a road trip through Missouri this summer.
- Many pioneers began their journey west from Missouri, which served as a gateway to the frontier in the 19th century.
- The political landscape of Missouri has shifted significantly over the decades, moving from its historical status as a bellwether state to a more reliably conservative stronghold in national elections.

---

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.