protectorate

noun

pro·​tec·​tor·​ate prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət 

1

a

: government by a protector

b

capitalized : the government of England (1653–59) under the Cromwells

c

: the rank, office, or period of rule of a protector

2

a

: the relationship of superior authority assumed by one power or state over a dependent one

b

: the dependent political unit or territory in such a relationship

Examples of protectorate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Determined to gain at least suzerainty over the island – which would have made Haiti a protectorate of France – Louis XVIII rebuked the two commissioners Boyer sent to Paris in 1824 to try to negotiate an indemnity in exchange for recognition. —Marlene L. Daut, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025

Lions Club International has affiliates in well over 200 countries, territories and protectorates, and pursues charitable work in the areas of vision, youth, disaster relief and humanitarian efforts. —Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025

Image Image Somaliland was a British protectorate until its independence on June 26, 1960. —Abdi Latif Dahir, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025

The main languages spoken in Morocco are French (the country was a former protectorate), English, and Darija, a dialect of Arabic primarily spoken in North Africa. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for protectorate

• directorate
• electorate
• inspectorate

Kids Definition

protectorate

noun

pro·​tec·​tor·​ate prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət 

1

a

: government by a protector

b

: the office or period of rule of a protector

2

: a small country ruled by a larger one