the group of people who officially control and run a country, state, city, or other political unit
After the election, the new government promised to lower taxes.
The government announced emergency aid after the hurricane.
✦ From Middle English gouernement, from Old French governement, from Latin gubernāre meaning “to steer, govern.”
the system, method, or process by which a country or community is ruled
Students debated whether democracy is the best form of government.
Good government requires clear laws and honest officials.
✦ Same origin as sense 1, ultimately from Latin gubernāre “to steer.”
relating to a particular government, governments in general, or the work done by them.
The governmental agency is helping with disaster relief.
She has a job in a governmental office.
✦ Mid 19th century: from 'government' + '-al', modelled on words such as 'parental'.
