name
Common
Missouri
mih-ZOOR-ree
Missouri (name) means a U.S. state in the Midwest, capital Jefferson City. Example: “Missouri is known as the "Show-Me State.”
name
1
A U.S. state in the Midwest, capital Jefferson City.
"Missouri is known as the "Show-Me State.""
2
A major river that joins the Mississippi at St. Louis.
"The Missouri River begins in the Rocky Mountains."
How to use Missouri
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe U.S. state or the river that flows through it and joins the Mississippi.
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Etymology
From a French rendering of a Native American word referring to people who used dugout canoes.
Synonyms
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Missouria
Rhymes for Missouri
See all rhymes for Missouri →Frequently asked questions
What does “Missouri” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “Missouri”?
“Missouri” is pronounced mih-ZOOR-ree (/mɪˈzʊɹ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “Missouri” in a sentence?
Here is “Missouri” used in a sentence: “Missouri is known as the "Show-Me State.".”
What part of speech is “Missouri”?
“Missouri” is a name.
Where does the word “Missouri” come from?
The word “Missouri” comes from French. From a French rendering of a Native American word referring to people who used dugout canoes.
Is “Missouri” a common word?
“Missouri” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Missouri” have?
“Missouri” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a U.S. state in the Midwest, capital Jefferson City.
What is the difference between the state of Missouri and the Missouri River?
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.
What is the difference between Missouri and Mississippi?
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.
Is Missouri pronounced "Missour-ee" or "Missour-uh"?
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.
Why is Missouri called the "Show-Me State"?
"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.
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