noun
constabulary
kuhn-STAB-yuu-luh-ree
Constabulary (noun) means a police force, especially one organized on a regional or national basis. Example: “The county constabulary was called in to investigate the robbery.”
noun
1
A police force, especially one organized on a regional or national basis.
"The county constabulary was called in to investigate the robbery."
"He served thirty years in the local constabulary before retiring."
adj
1
Relating to constables or policing.
"The town created a new constabulary district after the merger."
How to use constabulary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA somewhat formal or old-fashioned word for a police force.
When to use it
Mostly heard in British English, often in a slightly formal or historical context.
Common pairings
the local constabulary
a constabulary force
join the constabulary
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Word forms
- Plural
- constabularies
Fill the gap
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The county _____ was called in to investigate the robbery.
Etymology
From medieval Latin conestabularia, going back to comes stabuli, literally "keeper of the stables" — the same root that gives us "constable."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for constabulary
See all rhymes for constabulary →Frequently asked questions
What does “constabulary” mean?
The word “constabulary” means a police force, especially one organized on a regional or national basis. In plain terms, a somewhat formal or old-fashioned word for a police force.
How do you pronounce “constabulary”?
“Constabulary” is pronounced kuhn-STAB-yuu-luh-ree (/kənˈstæbjʊləɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “constabulary” in a sentence?
Here is “constabulary” used in a sentence: “The county constabulary was called in to investigate the robbery.”
What is another word for “constabulary”?
Words with a similar meaning to “constabulary” include constabular.
What part of speech is “constabulary”?
Depending on how it is used, “constabulary” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “constabulary” come from?
The word “constabulary” comes from Medieval Latin. From medieval Latin conestabularia, going back to comes stabuli, literally "keeper of the stables" — the same root that gives us "constable.".
How many meanings does “constabulary” have?
“Constabulary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a police force, especially one organized on a regional or national basis.
