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.
Vulnerabilities, tools and successful techniques spread rapidly throughout criminal and nation-state ecosystems, and AI will accelerate that learning considerably. — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The national conservatives embrace Christian nationalism and seek to bulwark the homogeneous nation-state from threats from liberalism. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 After they were replaced by oligarchs, along came nation-states and sovereign wealth funds. — Simon Hughes, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 The question of Kashmir has shaped the trajectories of India and Pakistan since the end of British rule and their birth as nation-states in August 1947. — Aqil Shah, Time, 17 Aug. 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 31 Aug. 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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