1. elected councils that were the basic governmental units in the former Soviet Union
Usage: historical
2. citizens or officials of the former Soviet Union
Usage: historical; informal

Examples

• The local soviets governed villages and towns throughout the USSR.
• Workers’ soviets emerged during the Russian Revolution of 1917.
• The Supreme Soviet was the highest legislative body in the Soviet Union.
• During the Cold War, the Soviets and Americans competed in the space race.
• Many Soviets emigrated to the West after the fall of communism.
• The soviets controlled all aspects of economic planning in their regions.