nationhood

noun

na·​tion·​hood ˈnā-shən-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce nationhood (audio)
1
: nationality sense 1a
2
: nationality sense 3
3
: nationality sense 5

Examples of nationhood in a Sentence

the early days of U.S. nationhood The colonists showed a strong desire for nationhood.
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.
There are all sorts of problems with basing one’s idea of nationhood, even loosely, on the case of Israel. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025 About gender, class, nationhood. — Rachel Handler, Vulture, 22 May 2026 The goal is to explore how artists have contributed to, or in some cases resisted, ideas of nationhood and identity. — Kim Foley MacKinnon, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 2026 There had been expectations the revisions would codify South Korea as a permanent enemy and remove references to shared nationhood. — ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nationhood

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nationhood was in 1843

Rhymes for nationhood

See All Rhymes for nationhood

Browse Nearby Words

national treasure
nationhood
nationless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on nationhood

Nglish: Translation of nationhood for Spanish Speakers

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