LingvoCore.com

missouri: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low-medium
UK/mɪˈzʊə.ri/US/mɪˈzɝ.i/ or /mɪˈzɝ.ə/

Neutral, geographical, cultural, idiomatic

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “missouri” mean?

A state in the Midwestern United States, named after the Missouri River, which was named for the Indigenous Missouri tribe.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A state in the Midwestern United States, named after the Missouri River, which was named for the Indigenous Missouri tribe.

Often used as a noun to refer to the state, its people, or something originating from there. The name can also be used idiomatically in the phrase "I'm from Missouri," meaning "show me proof" or "I'm skeptical."

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In the UK, it is primarily known as a US state name. In the US, it has wider idiomatic, cultural, and geographical resonance.

Connotations

For Americans, connotes the Midwest, the Missouri River, or a "show-me" skeptical attitude. For Britons, it's a distant US place name with little inherent connotation.

Frequency

Much more frequent in American English due to domestic geography and culture.

Grammar

How to Use “missouri” in a Sentence

[is/are] from Missouri[located] in Missouri[travel] to Missouri

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
state of MissouriMissouri RiverUniversity of MissouriI'm from Missouri
medium
Missouri license plateMissouri senatorborn in Missouri
weak
Missouri weatherMissouri townMissouri-based

Examples

Examples of “missouri” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • He has a Missouri licence plate on his classic car.
  • She follows Missouri politics closely.

American English

  • He has a Missouri license plate on his classic car.
  • She follows Missouri politics closely.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in contexts like 'a Missouri-based company.'

Academic

Used in geography, history, or American studies.

Everyday

Discussing travel, US news, or using the idiomatic skeptical phrase.

Technical

Rare; potentially in hydrology (Missouri River basin) or political science.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “missouri”

Neutral

the Show-Me State

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “missouri”

  • Misspelling as 'Misouri' or 'Missoouri'. Mispronouncing /-zʊər-/ in British English as /-sʊər-/. Using the idiom outside of an American cultural context without explanation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No. British English typically uses /mɪˈzʊə.ri/, while American English uses /mɪˈzɝ.i/ or /mɪˈzɝ.ə/.

It is primarily a proper noun (the state name). It can function attributively as an adjective (e.g., Missouri law). It is not used as a verb.

It means 'I am skeptical and require clear proof or demonstration before I will believe something.'

The nickname is linked to the state's cultural reputation for skepticism and practicality, famously encapsulated in the phrase 'I'm from Missouri, you've got to show me.'

A state in the Midwestern United States, named after the Missouri River, which was named for the Indigenous Missouri tribe.

Missouri is usually neutral, geographical, cultural, idiomatic in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “I'm from Missouri (show me)”
  • “Missouri mindset”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Missouri: 'Miss' a worry? No, it's a state that says 'Show me!'

Conceptual Metaphor

PLACE IS CHARACTER (e.g., 'Missouri' metaphorically represents skepticism or a demand for proof).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The idiom '' is used to express a need for convincing proof.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary meaning of 'Missouri' in most contexts?