compatriot

noun

com·​pa·​tri·​ot kəm-ˈpā-trē-ət How to pronounce compatriot (audio)
käm-,
-trē-ˌät,
 chiefly British  -ˈpa-
1
: a person born, residing, or holding citizenship in the same country as another
We watched our compatriots compete in the Olympics.
2
: companion, colleague
her compatriots in academia
theater compatriots
compatriotic
kəm-ˌpā-trē-ˈä-tik How to pronounce compatriot (audio)
ˌkäm-
 chiefly British  -ˌpa-
adjective

Examples of compatriot in a Sentence

We watched our compatriots compete in the Olympics. the famous actor and his theater compatriots
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.
Arda Guler seems to be in Alonso’s primary plans, which also pushes Rodrygo onto the bench with his compatriot Endrick. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 Under new rules passed by Denmark’s parliament earlier in June, Danish women who turn 18 after July 1, 2025, will be entered into the lottery system, on an equal footing with their male compatriots. James Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025 No one should know how to be a war prisoner, yet Ukrainians remain as remarkable compatriots of their beloved Ukrayina. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025 Once again, white Americans are benefiting from the labor of their nonwhite compatriots — with no controversy, and the blessing of state law and advocates of responsible governance. Jennifer Hochschild, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for compatriot

Word History

Etymology

French compatriote, from Late Latin compatriota, from Latin com- + Late Latin patriota fellow countryman — more at patriot

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of compatriot was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compatriot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compatriot. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

compatriot

noun
com·​pa·​tri·​ot kəm-ˈpā-trē-ət How to pronounce compatriot (audio)
käm-,
-trē-ˌät
: a person from one's own country : countryman

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