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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

constabularies plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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."

Origin: Medieval Latin

constabular

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.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial