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
The United States kicked out the Spanish, occupied Cuba and proclaimed its desire to turn Cuba into an independent, sovereign nation-state.
—
Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026
For nearly twenty-five centuries, the Persian Empire and the modern nation-state of Iran had been ruled through monarchy.
—Azadeh Moaveni, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
These brave souls forged new frontiers for nation-states and planted the right flag for posterity.
—S.c. Stuart, PC Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
Iran is a terrorist nation-state and is a threat to democracies worldwide.
—Derek Tran, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nation-state
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Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026
For nearly twenty-five centuries, the Persian Empire and the modern nation-state of Iran had been ruled through monarchy.
—Azadeh Moaveni, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
These brave souls forged new frontiers for nation-states and planted the right flag for posterity.
—S.c. Stuart, PC Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
Iran is a terrorist nation-state and is a threat to democracies worldwide.
—Derek Tran, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026
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 24 Mar. 2026.
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