dominion

noun

do·​min·​ion də-ˈmi-nyən 

1

: domain

2

law : supreme authority : sovereignty

having dominion over the natural world

3

dominions plural, Christianity : an order of angels see celestial hierarchy

4

often Dominion government : a self-governing nation of the Commonwealth of Nations other than the United Kingdom that acknowledges the British monarch as chief of state

5

law : absolute ownership

Did you know?

The ruler of a region has dominion over it, and the area itself may be called the ruler's dominion. In the days of the British Empire, Great Britain had dominion over many countries throughout the world. Though Canada has been quite independent of Great Britain since the 19th century, its formal title remains Dominion of Canada. The word has an old-fashioned sound today, and probably shows up in history books, historical novels, and fantasy video games more often than in discussions of modern nations.

Synonyms of dominion

• domination
• dominance
• sovereignty
• supremacy
• reign

Choose the Right Synonym for dominion

power, authority, jurisdiction, control, command, sway, dominion mean the right to govern or rule or determine.

power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

Examples of dominion in a Sentence

The U.S. has dominion over the island.

The countries fought for dominion of the territory.

the dominions of the empire

Recent Examples on the Web

Now Dominion is in water court, seeking the green light to begin using that water for the irrigation of parks and common spaces in the community. —Olivia Young, CBS News, 13 June 2026

But first comes Infantino’s own strategic test, the same one faced by every emperor whose dominion threatens to collapse because of overexpansion. —Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026

That’s why the theme of violence, both psychological and physical, is central to the novel, precisely because for so long—and unfortunately still today—violence hasn’t been considered sufficient reason to bring an end to the dominion of the male, founded on force and on the subordination of women. —Nina Mesfin, New Yorker, 7 June 2026

Crushing injuries to Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson symbolically marked the end of Golden State’s dominion and the beginning of the post-dynasty NBA. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dominioun, from Middle French dominion, modification of Latin dominium, from dominus — see dominical

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dominion

• inter-dominion

Rhymes for dominion

• opinion
• inion
• minion
• minyan
• pinion
• pinyon

Kids Definition

dominion

noun

do·​min·​ion də-ˈmin-yən 

1

: domain sense 1

2

: supreme authority : sovereignty

3

often capitalized : a self-governing nation of the Commonwealth of Nations other than the United Kingdom that accepts the British monarch as chief of state

Etymology

Middle English dominioun "control, rule," from early French dominion (same meaning), from Latin dominium "rule, ownership," from dominus "master, owner" — related to domain, dominate

Legal Definition

dominion

noun

do·​min·​ion də-ˈmin-yən 

1

a

: supreme authority : sovereignty

b

: a territory over which such authority is exercised

c

often capitalized : a self-governing nation (as Canada) of the British Commonwealth other than the United Kingdom that acknowledges the British monarch as the head of state

2

: the power (as authority) or right (as ownership) to use or dispose of property

specifically : absolute or exclusive use, control, ownership, or possession of property

the transferred property is placed beyond the donor's dominion and control

—W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.

the bailee exercised dominion over the vehicle