protectorate

noun

pro·​tec·​tor·​ate prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət 

1

a

: government by a protector

b

Protectorate : 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

Climate and soil conditions differ in each region, and each protectorate has its own indigenous crops. —Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026

The city’s exotic mix of Arab, Berber, African, and European cultures—Morocco was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, and French is still widely spoken—gives it a unique feel that’s typified by the ambience of the quietly opulent La Mamounia hotel. —Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025

The former British protectorate hopes that recognition by Israel will encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing its diplomatic heft and access to international markets. —Reuters, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025

According to Filomeno Aguilar, Jr, once the Europeans were gone, the hacenderos kowtowed to the Americans, offering the island as a protectorate in the hopes of securing favorable access to the lucrative US market for their sugar. —JSTOR Daily, 19 Nov. 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