principality

noun

prin·ci·pal·i·ty | \ ˌprin(t)-sə-ˈpa-lə-tē

plural principalities

Definition of principality

1a : the state, office, or authority of a prince

b : the position or responsibilities of a principal (as of a school)

2 : the territory or jurisdiction of a prince : the country that gives title to a prince

3 principalities plural : an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy

Examples of principality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Once an independent principality, Bohemia was later ruled by the Holy Roman Empire, the Habsburg Monarchy, and the Austrian Empire. — Ben Zimmer, WSJ, "Being ‘Bohemian’: Queen’s Vagabond Rhapsody Has Its Roots in a Vanished Kingdom," 2 Nov. 2018 The tiny Mediterranean principality is the world’s most expensive real-estate market according to real-estate firm Savills , with prices averaging $4,457 a square foot in 2017. — Adam Bonislawski, WSJ, "Land Goes from ‘Dirt Cheap’ to ‘Pay Dirt’," 19 July 2018 Monaco makes its biennial appearance—this race happens every other year; Formula E and the historic races alternate annually before the famed Formula 1 race takes the streets of this principality. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "Formula E starts season 5 in Saudi Arabia with a faster electric race car," 14 Dec. 2018 The princess wore the jeweled badge on a red and white sash—referencing the official colors of the principality's flag—over her dress. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Princess Caroline of Monaco Shut It Down in a Red Caped Dress," 20 Nov. 2018 The latter is a 19th-century hotel built upon a hill, which gives it a 360-degree view of the entire principality. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "Gilded Halls and Gorgeous Soufflés: A Guide to Living Large in Monaco," 12 Sep. 2018 The winger has picked up a lot of interest, but nothing concrete has started for his exit from the principality just yet. — SI.com, "Barcelona Take First Step Towards Signing £79m Monaco Star Amid Interest From Chelsea & Atletico," 7 June 2018 Ronaldo's brace that night in the principality cemented his boss' legacy amongst illustrious company in the tournament. — SI.com, "Why Zidane Should Be Remembered as the Champions League's Greatest Head Coach in Wake of Madrid Exit," 31 May 2018 The boy, who is the couple’s second child, will be tenth in line for the principality’s throne. — Peter Mikelbank, PEOPLE.com, "Monaco's Pierre Casiraghi and Beatrice Borromeo Welcome Son — and His Name Is So Classic," 22 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'principality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.