principality

noun

prin·​ci·​pal·​i·​ty ˌprin(t)-sə-ˈpa-lə-tē 

plural principalities

1

a

: the state, office, or authority of a prince

b

: the position or responsibilities of a principal (as of a school)

2

: the territory or jurisdiction of a prince : the country that gives title to a prince

3

principalities plural : an order of angels see celestial hierarchy

Examples of principality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The principality also is a culinary destination with restaurants from legendary chefs, including Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV and Yannick Alléno’s Pavyllon Monte-Carlo. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Various Ukrainian polities followed, including the principality of Galicia-Volhynia and the kingdom of Ruthenia in the medieval period and a Cossack state in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. —Georgiy Kasianov, Foreign Affairs, 4 May 2022

Princess Charlene and Princess Gabriella of Monaco are celebrating the principality's National Day in mother-daughter style that's totally très chic. —Janine Henni, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024

Over the next 200 years, in much the same way, many nation-states would replace principalities, kingdoms, empires, and colonies that had existed for centuries. —Mark Mazower, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

principality

noun

prin·​ci·​pal·​i·​ty ˌprin(t)-sə-ˈpal-ət-ē 

plural principalities

: a small territory that is ruled by a prince