nationhood

noun

na·​tion·​hood ˈnā-shən-ˌhu̇d 

1

: nationality sense 1

2

: nationality sense 3a

3

: nationality sense 4

Examples of nationhood in a Sentence

the early days of U.S. nationhood

The colonists showed a strong desire for nationhood.

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of taking a low profile and playing down any claims to Taiwan’s independent status like his more cautious DPP predecessor Tsai Ying-wen, Lai has lurched toward formal independence with a succession of speeches making the case for Taiwanese nationhood. —Lyle Goldstein, Time, 23 Oct. 2025

As the country achieved independence from British rule, artists debated what new forms of nationhood, identity and art could look like. —Suyin Haynes, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025

Tuvalu and Kiribati have discussed digital nationhood and leasing land from other countries so their people can relocate while still retaining citizenship. —Lauren Gifford, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2025

One of the billionaire V.C.’s favorite books was 1997’s The Sovereign Individual, which encourages elites to unburden themselves from nationhood through foreign citizenship. —Alison Boleyn, Robb Report, 26 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nationhood

• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood
• likelihood
• livelihood