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
Experts warn that nation-state actors like China, Iran, Russia and North Korea are observing, learning and potentially preparing to strike.
—
Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Japan’s leaders sought to bring the country in line with the supposedly advanced nation-states of the West, and that meant emulating Western institutions and practices, including extending Japan’s influence over the countries surrounding it.
—Waiyee Loh, JSTOR Daily, 2 July 2025
Vatican City, located on the west bank of the Tiber River, is the smallest fully independent nation-state in the world.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
European nation-states made new claims on their subjects and their territory, which led to both the greater democratization of access to land and a rise in landlessness among the least powerful in society.
—Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nation-state
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Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Japan’s leaders sought to bring the country in line with the supposedly advanced nation-states of the West, and that meant emulating Western institutions and practices, including extending Japan’s influence over the countries surrounding it.
—Waiyee Loh, JSTOR Daily, 2 July 2025
Vatican City, located on the west bank of the Tiber River, is the smallest fully independent nation-state in the world.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
European nation-states made new claims on their subjects and their territory, which led to both the greater democratization of access to land and a rise in landlessness among the least powerful in society.
—Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nation-state
Cite this Entry
“Nation-state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nation-state. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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