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

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

4

dated : loyalty and devotion to a nation

… a rekindled spirit of nationality, pride, and yearning for unity …

—Michael Kilian

5

dated : political independence or existence as a separate nation

Recognition of Ireland's nationality was felt to be deeply desired …

—Alan O'Day

Synonyms of nationality

• ethnicity
• nation

Examples 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 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

Their nationalities and identities have not been disclosed. —Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025

The nationality and precise status of all casualties have not been disclosed and questions persist about possible civilian harm. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

The only beings exempt from Gunn’s compassionate gaze are authoritarians of any nationality or species. —Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for nationality

• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criminality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality

Kids 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