statehood

noun

state·​hood ˈstāt-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce statehood (audio)
: the condition of being a state
especially : the status of being one of the states of the U.S.

Examples of statehood 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.
In its 176 years of statehood, California has become vastly rich, leading the ranks not just among states but among nations. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 Netanyahu’s main challenger, former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, opposes Palestinian statehood and has pledged to destroy Hamas’ military wing. — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026 The difference today is that the idea of Palestinian statehood is not even up for debate. — Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2026 On Gaza, Bennett opposes Palestinian statehood and supports maintaining Israeli security control until Hamas is disarmed. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for statehood

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of statehood was in 1805

Rhymes for statehood

See All Rhymes for statehood

Browse Nearby Words

state holiday
statehood
statehouse
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Cite this Entry

“Statehood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statehood. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

statehood

noun
state·​hood ˈstāt-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce statehood (audio)
: the condition of being a state
especially : the condition or status of one of the states of the U.S.
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