(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
A ~ of a group is one of the people, animals, or things belonging to that group.
He refused to name the ~s of staff involved...
Their lack of training could put ~s of the public at risk.
N-COUNT: with supp, oft N of n
2.
A ~ of an organization such as a club or a political party is a person who has officially joined the organization.
The support of our ~s is of great importance to the Association...
Britain is a full ~ of NATO.
N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n
3.
A ~ country or ~ state is one of the countries that has joined an international organization or group.
...the ~ countries of the European Free Trade Association.
ADJ: ADJ n
4.
A ~ or Member is a person who has been elected to a parliament or legislature.
He was elected to Parliament as the Member for Leeds.
N-COUNT: usu N for n