noun

1. 1. the exercise of authority over a state, district, organization, institution, etc.; direction; control; rule; management
   2. the right, function, or power of governing
2. 1. a system of ruling, controlling, etc.
   2. an established system of political administration by which a nation, state, district, etc. is governed we need honest government
   3. the study of such systems; political science
3. all the people or agencies that administer or control the affairs of a nation, state, institution, etc.; administration the election resulted in a new government
4. the executive or administrative branch of government of a particular nation as constituted by the political party or coalition in power a Labor government in Great Britain
5. Now Rare a governed territory
6. Gram. the influence of one word over the case or mood of another

Etymology: OFr governement: see govern & -ment

adjective