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
The range of nationalities has expanded, and there are many more Africans than before.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
The Office of Homeland Security Statistics is responsible for publishing figures from Homeland Security agencies, including removals and the nationalities of those deported, to provide a comprehensive picture of immigration trends at the border and inside the United States.
—ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
The moves are part of a broader clampdown on immigration that has seen authorities strip at least 50,000 people of their nationality over the past two years.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
In Iran, women are legally required to adhere to a dress code, and must wear a hijab, or headscarf, regardless of their nationality or religion.
—Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nationality
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
The Office of Homeland Security Statistics is responsible for publishing figures from Homeland Security agencies, including removals and the nationalities of those deported, to provide a comprehensive picture of immigration trends at the border and inside the United States.
—ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
The moves are part of a broader clampdown on immigration that has seen authorities strip at least 50,000 people of their nationality over the past two years.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
In Iran, women are legally required to adhere to a dress code, and must wear a hijab, or headscarf, regardless of their nationality or religion.
—Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 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 16 Mar. 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
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