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
Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited El Salvador during his first trip in office, securing a deal with Bukele for El Salvador to accept deportees of any nationality.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Immigrants can claim asylum on the basis of persecution for nationality, race, religion, political opinion, or membership in a social group.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Canada’s new citizenship law, effective December, lets Americans with distant Canadian ancestors claim dual nationality—potentially affecting millions and overwhelming immigration lawyers on both sides of the border.
—Sarah Raza, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
The 28-year-old woman, whose name and nationality have not been publicly disclosed, climbed the Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza della Signoria on Saturday, the city of Florence said in a statement this week.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nationality
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.
ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Immigrants can claim asylum on the basis of persecution for nationality, race, religion, political opinion, or membership in a social group.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Canada’s new citizenship law, effective December, lets Americans with distant Canadian ancestors claim dual nationality—potentially affecting millions and overwhelming immigration lawyers on both sides of the border.
—Sarah Raza, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
The 28-year-old woman, whose name and nationality have not been publicly disclosed, climbed the Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza della Signoria on Saturday, the city of Florence said in a statement this week.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nationality
Cite this Entry
“Nationality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nationality. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
