territorial

1 of 2

adjective

ter·​ri·​to·​ri·​al ˌter-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce territorial (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to a territory
territorial government
b
: of or relating to or organized chiefly for home defense
c
: of or relating to private property
2
a
: exhibiting or involving territoriality
territorial birds
b
: of or relating to an assigned or preempted area
territorial commanders
3
a
b
: serving outlying areas : regional
territorially adverb

territorial

2 of 2

noun

: a member of a territorial military unit

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Blinken emphasized Washington’s desire for a peaceful resolution to the war that preserves Ukraine’s territorial integrity, a senior State Department official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations. Sammy Westfall, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2023 In his conversation with Mr. Lavrov, Mr. Blinken reiterated the support of the U.S. and its allies for Ukraine in its fight to defend its territorial integrity against Russian aggression, a senior State Department official said. Vivian Salama, WSJ, 2 Mar. 2023 China will lay out its position on resolving the Ukraine conflict in a document underscoring that countries’ territorial integrity must not be violated, said China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, who spoke on a panel at the conference on Saturday. Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2023 The State Department also placed 531 members of the Russian military on a travel blacklist for actions that threaten or violate the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine. Matthew Lee, ajc, 26 Jan. 2023 For me, as the President, just peace is no compromises as to the sovereignty, freedom, and territorial integrity of my country, the payback for all the damages inflicted by Russian aggression. BostonGlobe.com, 21 Dec. 2022 First and foremost for guarantees for Ukraine for its territorial integrity and its long-term security. Stacy Meichtry, WSJ, 21 Dec. 2022 Any restructuring of Russia’s territorial integrity, these voices claim, will result in failed states—and potentially worse. Casey Michel, The New Republic, 16 Dec. 2022 With Russian troops occupying two separatist territories in Georgia, some opposition politicians have said that the newcomers should be made to explicitly express recognition of the country’s territorial integrity. Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2022
Noun
TERRITORIAL Most nations aim to impose taxes on economic activity that takes place within their borders. N. Gregory Mankiw, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2017 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'territorial.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Noun

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of territorial was in 1625

Dictionary Entries Near territorial

Cite this Entry

“Territorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/territorial. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

territorial

adjective
ter·​ri·​to·​ri·​al
ˌter-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl,
-ˈtȯr-
1
: of or relating to a territory
territorial claims
2
: organized chiefly for territorial defense
a territorial army
3
: showing or involving territoriality
territorial birds
territorial noun
territorially
-ē-ə-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on territorial

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