federal
adjective
1. national; especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units
- the Federal Bureau of Investigation
- federal courts
- the federal highway program
Similar word(s): national
2. of or relating to the central government of a federation
- a federal district is one set aside as the seat of the national government
3. being of or having to do with the northern United States and those loyal to the Union during the American Civil War
- Federal forces
- a Federal infantryman
Similar word(s): northern, union
4. characterized by or constituting a form of government in which power is divided between one central and several regional authorities
- a federal system like that of the United States
- federal governments often evolved out of confederations