sphere of influence

noun phrase

: a territorial area within which the political influence or the interests of one nation are held to be more or less paramount

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sphere of influence was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near sphere of influence

Cite this Entry

“Sphere of influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sphere%20of%20influence. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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