Proper noun

1. One of the six states of Australia, situated in the south-eastern part of the continent, with its capital at Sydney.
2. (1770 - 1850s) The original name conferred on Australia by Captain James Cook, and used to describe the entire eastern portion of the continent.
3. (1788 - 1901) The colony that was founded in 1788, which grew progressively smaller as other colonies were separated from it, and became a state in 1901.