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

The nation, a former protectorate of the United Kingdom, is more liberal than many of its neighbors: Alcohol is widely sold, for example. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2025

According to the Washington Post, the administration is considering a post-war plan that would turn Gaza into a kind of U.S. protectorate and not a fully autonomous state, at least temporarily. —Michele Chabin, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

The film, a veritable love letter to the city, was inspired by Touzani’s beloved maternal grandmother, a Spaniard who arrived in Morocco during the Spanish protectorate and lived in Tangier all her life. —Alissa Simon, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025

The Crimean Khanate became a protectorate of the Ottoman Empire, where the two groups frequently engaged in trade. —Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 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