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.
More often than not, the home users have no idea that their connections are being used to facilitate crime and occasionally even nation-state attacks. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 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 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 Sep. 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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