nation-state

noun

na·​tion-state ˈnā-shən-ˈstāt How to pronounce nation-state (audio)
-ˌstāt
: a form of political organization under which a relatively homogeneous people inhabits a sovereign state
especially : a state containing one as opposed to several nationalities

Examples of nation-state in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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There’s a growing collaboration between hacking groups engaging in espionage on behalf of nation-states and those seeking financial gains through ransomware and other forms of cybercrime, researchers noted this week. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025 No nation-state has continuously spanned the thousands of years that a typical Civ game simulates; the closest counterexample might be China, which is playable as three different dynastic forms (plus Mongolia) in this game. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2025 Palestinians hope both territories will one day be part of a nation-state. 4:54 Majdi Mohammed/AP Israel has occupied the Gaza Strip and West Bank since its victory in the Six-Day War in 1967. Britt Clennett, ABC News, 12 Feb. 2025 But the idea of an inalienable Palestinian right to nation-state status is wobbly at best, and may be damaging to all sides. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for nation-state 

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nation-state was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near nation-state

Cite this Entry

“Nation-state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nation-state. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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