principality

noun

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

plural principalities

1

a

: 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

The late actress became the Princess of the principality in 1956, and 70 years later, her second engagement ring remains one of the most expensive and influential in history. —Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026

The 21-room waterfront property, acquired by the businessman’s holding company, is located in the principality’s Mareterra district. —Tara Patel, Bloomberg, 21 Apr. 2026

With that, Grace decided to abandon her blazing career in Hollywood and move to the small principality of Monaco. —Francesca Pellegrini, Vanity Fair, 19 Apr. 2026

On this day in 1956, the two-day wedding celebration of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III began in the tiny European principality of Monaco. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for principality

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

Kids Definition

principality

noun

prin·​ci·​pal·​i·​ty ˌprin(t)-sə-ˈpal-ət-ē 

plural principalities

: a small territory that is ruled by a prince