SINCE 1828
annexation
noun
an·nex·a·tion
| \ ˌa-ˌnek-ˈsā-shən
\
\
plural annexations
Definition of annexation
1
: the act of annexing something or the state of being annexed : the addition of an area or region to a country, state, etc.
The Senate rejected the Hawaiian reciprocity treaty, the purchase of the Virgin Islands from Denmark, the annexation of Santo Domingo and the annexation of Samoa.— Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. In the early part of the 20th century, Chinese writers generally dated the annexation of Tibet to the 18th century.— Elliot Sperling
2
: something that is annexed
… defended their annexations with fire and sword.— George Bernard Shaw
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on annexation
What made you want to look up annexation? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Original Meanings Quiz
-
- Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Original Meanings Quiz
A quiz for the pedantic and those annoyed by them!
Take the quiz -
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz -
Syn City
Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.
Play the game
Share annexation
Resources for annexation