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

After they were replaced by oligarchs, along came nation-states and sovereign wealth funds. — Simon Hughes, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

The question of Kashmir has shaped the trajectories of India and Pakistan since the end of British rule and their birth as nation-states in August 1947. — Aqil Shah, Time, 17 Aug. 2026

Europe could revert to a collection of nation-states ruled by illiberal nationalist governments content to accommodate Civilizational America. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Terrorists, criminal organizations, hostile nation-states, and sophisticated cybercriminals can now move money across borders with unprecedented speed using cryptocurrency. — Mitchell Silber, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nation-state

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