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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As China and other nation-state adversaries continue to map, conduct reconnaissance, and attack energy infrastructure, these investments are crucial to all Connecticut utilities. Brian Harrell, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025 The cybersecurity industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals as threats from nation-state actors and cybercriminals escalate fueled by easy access to AI tools. Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 But senior government officials ought to regard themselves as highly targeted and of exceptional interest to nation-state attackers such as the Chinese operatives that attempted to compromise Trump’s phone last summer. Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 18 Mar. 2025 The day the United States loses the ability to deport noncitizens who espouse such toxic beliefs is the day the United States ceases to be a sovereign nation-state. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Nation-state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nation-state. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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