statewide

Statewide is an adjective describing something that extends throughout an entire state or operates across all the states of a nation. It is especially common in American political and public-service reporting, as in “statewide election,” “statewide emergency,” or “statewide survey.” In its most familiar use, the term refers to an action or policy affecting every part of one state: a statewide closure of schools, for example, applies uniformly across that state rather than merely in selected counties or cities. The word can also describe a nationwide network or system understood as reaching through every constituent state. Although its meaning resembles “countrywide” or “national,” the useful distinction is one of emphasis: “statewide” calls attention to the individual states through which an action, institution, or result extends. The term is most prevalent in United States English, particularly in government, elections, education, and emergency-management contexts.

Extending throughout an entire state or applying across all the states of a nation.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does statewide come from?

The word is a compound of “state” and the suffix-like element “wide,” meaning extending across or throughout. “State” ultimately comes through Old French from Latin status, meaning a condition, position, or established form of government. The combination became established in English during the 19th century and is now especially associated with political and public affairs in the United States.

How statewide is actually used

Chiefly an American English term. It is especially common in government, elections, education, healthcare, and public-safety contexts. The phrase may denote activity within one state or coverage across all states of the United States, depending on context.

Easily confused with statewide

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Words and phrases paired with statewide

Rhymes with statewide