Washington state

English

Alternative forms

• Washington State (proscribed)
• State of Washington

Etymology

Distinguishing the state of Washington from other senses of Washington, particularly Washington, D.C.

Proper noun

Washington state

1. Synonym of Washington, the US state.

Usage notes

The lower-case form Washington state is advocated by the AP Style Guide except in reference to specific departments, services, etc. of its government, where both words are capitalized as part of the complete name. The Chicago Manual of Style advocates general use of Washington State, but based upon a misunderstanding of it as a formal name.