nation-state

noun

na·​tion-state ˈnā-shən-ˈstāt 

-ˌstāt

: 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

Srinivasan has also published a book arguing that such privatized, business-friendly enclaves will eventually surpass nation-states. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026

Organizations unintentionally create systemic weaknesses that adversaries, ranging from nation-states to hackers, are keen to exploit when privacy is neglected. —Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

The administration has joined the Magnificent Seven tech companies, which wield greater power than most nation-states, in fighting regulatory control of artificial intelligence. —Max Hastings, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026

Now, nation-states are beginning to dominate the sector, moving hundreds of millions or even billions in funds obtained through hacking or fraud. —Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nation-state

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate