Kingdom

Definition

A politically organized community or major territorial unit having a monarchical form of government headed by a king or queen.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɪŋdəm/
• Respelling: KING-duhm (with "KING" as in "sing" and "duhm" as in "drum")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɪŋdəm/
• Respelling: KING-duhm (with "KING" as in "sing" and "duhm" as in "drum")

In both dialects, "kingdom" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "KING." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "KING-duhm."

Etymology

Derived from the Old English words "cyning" meaning "king" and "dom" meaning "statute, judgment". Hence, "kingdom" connotes the "domain or area subject to a king".

Derivatives

• Kingdom-wide
• Kingdom-like
• Kingship
• Kingly
• King's court

Synonyms

• Realm
• Empire
• Monarchy

Antonyms

• Republic
• Anarchy
• Colony

Usage

The term "kingdom" is used in political, historical, and biological contexts. In biology, it refers to one of the highest taxonomic ranks used in the classification of organisms.

Related Terms

• Monarch
• Dynasty
• Crown
• Royal
• Throne

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Kingdom (Noun): A country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen.
  • Example: "The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy."

• Kingdom (Noun): A realm or domain, especially in a figurative sense.
  • Example: "He felt like he was the ruler of his own little kingdom."

• Kingdom (Noun, Biology): One of the highest taxonomic ranks, used to classify living organisms.
  • Example: "The animal kingdom includes all animals, from insects to mammals."