I. ˈsōvēˌet, -ēə̇t also ˈsäv- sometimes ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈet or sōvˈyet or ˈsōvˌyet or ˈsōvyə̇t, usu -d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Russian sovet council, soviet, from Old Russian sŭvětŭ council
1. : an elected organizational unit in Communist countries : committee , council
local soviets concern themselves with matters of public health, education, trade, urban improvement, and new construction — J.N.Hazard
the system of soviets … provides an upward stream of political intelligence, suggestion and accounting from the lower organs and a downward stream of laws, decrees, and instructions from the apex — J.A.Corry
— compare politburo , presidium
2. : a state organized on Communist lines
peasants were willing to seize the land and proclaim a soviet — Clare & Harris Wofford
especially : one of the associated republics of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
incorporate — not in the Union as a soviet but as a member of her hierarchy — Pleasures of Publishing
3. soviets plural , usually capitalized : the people, leaders, or armed forces of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
the Soviets say they want an increase in East-West trade — Wall Street Journal
II. adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
: of, relating to, or associated with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or its inhabitants