To save this word, you'll need to log in.
res nul·li·us | \ ˌrāsnəˈlēəs, rāˈsnu̇lē-; ˌrēznəˈlīəs, rēzˈnəlēəs\
Definition of res nullius
1 : a thing belonging to no one whether because never appropriated (as a wild animal) or because abandoned by its owner but acquirable by appropriation
2 : property not subject to private ownership under Roman law
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on res nullius
What made you want to look up res nullius? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Pass the Little Ribbons: A Pasta Word Quiz
- Match the pasta to its meaning in English: Rotelle
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Pass the Little Ribbons: A Pasta Word Quiz
Match the pasta with its meaning in Italian.
Take the quiz - Confusing Words—A Quiz
Test your knowledge of these commonly confused words!
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Syn City
Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.
Play the game
Share res nullius
Resources for res nullius