nation-state

noun

na·​tion-state ˈnā-shən-ˈstāt How to pronounce nation-state (audio)
-ˌstāt
Synonyms of nation-statenext
: 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.
During that conflict, their ancestral homes were nation-states. — Ibrahim Al-Marashi, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026 In the world of Berle and Means, firms operated mostly within the boundaries of nation-states. — Mary Johnstone-Louis, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 The hypocrisy becomes even more obvious when examining other nation-states. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2026 The tradition endures even as most people quietly agree that art probably shouldn’t be co-opted by the agendas of nation-states. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026 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

Rhymes for nation-state

See All Rhymes for nation-state

Browse Nearby Words

nationless
nation-state
nationwide
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nation-state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nation-state. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nation-state

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nation-state

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nation-state

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