( initial capital letter ) a group of sovereign states and their dependencies associated by their own choice and linked with common objectives and interests

the British Commonwealth.

the Commonwealth. Commonwealth of Nations.

( initial capital letter ) a federation of states

the Commonwealth of Australia.

( initial capital letter ) a self-governing territory associated with the U.S.

official designation of Puerto Rico.

( initial capital letter ) English History . the English government from the abolition of the monarchy in 1649 until the establishment of the Protectorate in 1653, sometimes extended to include the restoration of Charles II in 1660.

( initial capital letter ) the official designation (rather than State) of four states of the U.S.

Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

any group of persons united by some common interest.

the whole body of people of a nation or state; the body politic.

a state in which the supreme power is held by the people; a republican or democratic state.

Obsolete . the public welfare.

noun

body politic , citizenry , citizens , commonality , democracy , federation , nation , people , polity , republic , societynotes:a republic is a state or nation where the supreme power lies with its citizens; a commonwealth is an allied group of republics , community , public , res publica , society , state