Missouri

The word “Missouri” means a U.S. state in the Midwest, capital Jefferson City. In plain terms, the U.S. state or the river that flows through it and joins the Mississippi.

“Missouri” is pronounced mih-ZOOR-ree (/mɪˈzʊɹ.i/ in IPA).

Here is “Missouri” used in a sentence: “Missouri is known as the "Show-Me State.".”

“Missouri” is a name.

The word “Missouri” comes from French. From a French rendering of a Native American word referring to people who used dugout canoes.

“Missouri” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Missouri” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a U.S. state in the Midwest, capital Jefferson City.

Missouri is a U.S. state in the Midwest with its capital at Jefferson City, while the Missouri River is a major waterway that flows across several states and joins the Mississippi near St. Louis. The two share a name but are different kinds of geographic feature.

People sometimes confuse the two because both are U.S. states with similar-looking names and both are linked to major rivers. Missouri is a Midwestern state whose river joins the Mississippi River, while Mississippi is a southern state named after the larger Mississippi River.

Both endings are widely heard: many people say "Missour-ee," while others, including many residents, say "Missour-uh." Neither is considered incorrect, and usage often varies by region and personal preference.

"Show-Me State" is Missouri's well-known nickname, associated with a down-to-earth, skeptical attitude of wanting to see proof rather than take claims on trust. It is a popular nickname rather than the state's formal title.