nationality
noun
na·tion·al·i·ty
ˌna-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 
ˌnash-ˈna-
plural nationalities
1
a
: national status
specifically
: a legal relationship involving allegiance on the part of an individual and usually protection on the part of the state
nationality bestowed by birth
Unlike the United States and some European countries, Japan grants nationality based on ancestry, not place of birth. —
Mari Yamaguchi
Mari Yamaguchi
b
: membership in a particular nation
She's American, but her parents are of Nigerian nationality.
2
a
: an ethnic group constituting one element of a larger unit (such as a nation)
The country is home to five nationalities.
b
: a people having a common origin, tradition, and language and capable of forming or actually constituting a nation-state
The diverse nationalities of the Austro-Hungarian Empire desired independence.
3
dated
: national character
… the intricate pleats and folds of the American nationality …—Paul Berman
Paul Berman4
dated
: loyalty and devotion to a nation
… a rekindled spirit of nationality, pride, and yearning for unity …—Michael Kilian
Michael Kilian5
dated
: political independence or existence as a separate nation
Recognition of Ireland's nationality was felt to be deeply desired …—Alan O'Day
Alan O'DayExamples of nationality in a Sentence
The country is home to five nationalities and seven languages.
people of all races and nationalities
She's American, but her parents are of Japanese nationality.
He has held French nationality for the past 20 years.
The university has students of over 50 nationalities.
Recent Examples on the Web
These students are growing closer because of their different nationalities and interest in each other’s’ unique national identity.
—Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Nov. 2025
The nationalities of those arrested are unknown, Petro said.
—Justin Gomez, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2025
Reports vary regarding the nationality of the climbers, who are said to include two or three Italians, two Nepalis, a German, a French person, and potentially a Canadian.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 4 Nov. 2025
The nationalities and the identities of the foreign climbers still missing have not yet been confirmed, but Mahato said the group included climbers from France, Canada and Italy.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nationality
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Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Nov. 2025
The nationalities of those arrested are unknown, Petro said.
—Justin Gomez, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2025
Reports vary regarding the nationality of the climbers, who are said to include two or three Italians, two Nepalis, a German, a French person, and potentially a Canadian.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 4 Nov. 2025
The nationalities and the identities of the foreign climbers still missing have not yet been confirmed, but Mahato said the group included climbers from France, Canada and Italy.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nationality
Cite this Entry
“Nationality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nationality. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nationality
noun
na·tion·al·i·ty
ˌnash-(ə-)ˈnal-ət-ē
plural nationalities
1
: the fact or state of belonging to a nation
a person of French nationality
2
: political independence as a nation
3
: a people having a common beginning, tradition, or language
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