compatriot

noun

com·​pa·​tri·​ot kəm-ˈpā-trē-ət How to pronounce compatriot (audio)
käm-, 
-trē-ˌät
chiefly British -ˈpa-
Synonyms of compatriotnext
1
: a person born, residing, or holding citizenship in the same country as another
We watched our compatriots compete in the Olympics.
2
: companion, colleague
her compatriots in academia
theater compatriots
compatriotic
kəm-ˌpā-trē-ˈä-tik How to pronounce compatriot (audio)
ˌkäm-
chiefly British -ˌpa-
adjective

Synonyms of compatriot

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Examples of compatriot in a Sentence

We watched our compatriots compete in the Olympics. the famous actor and his theater compatriots
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.
Two of the initial suspects were released; the security guard and three of his compatriots are expected to stand trial in August. — News Desk, Artforum, 22 June 2026 On Hansi Flick’s watch, Szczesny and Garcia are both ahead of the manager’s compatriot. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The sitcom acknowledged that staunch beliefs on the world hold deep, personal value, and are potent drivers of nuance, discussion and broader empathy towards our fellow compatriots. — Alex Rosado, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026 Fernandes considers his compatriot and namesake Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United as one of his idols. — Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for compatriot

Word History

Etymology

French compatriote, from Late Latin compatriota, from Latin com- + Late Latin patriota fellow countryman — more at patriot

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of compatriot was in 1611

Rhymes for compatriot

See All Rhymes for compatriot

Browse Nearby Words

compatric
compatriot
compatriotic
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Cite this Entry

“Compatriot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compatriot. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

compatriot

noun
com·​pa·​tri·​ot kəm-ˈpā-trē-ət How to pronounce compatriot (audio)
käm-, 
-trē-ˌät
: a person from one's own country : countryman

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Nglish: Translation of compatriot for Spanish Speakers

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