territoriality

noun

ter·​ri·​to·​ri·​al·​i·​ty ˌter-ə-ˌtȯr-ē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce territoriality (audio)
1
: territorial status
2
a
: persistent attachment to a specific territory
b
: the pattern of behavior associated with the defense of a territory

Examples of territoriality in a Sentence

a scientific study of territoriality in bears
Recent Examples on the Web That means returning to the principles underlying the founders’ Westphalian doctrine of territoriality. José A. Cabranes, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2015 That’s because territoriality is a major stressor among cats. Dr. Patty Khuly, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2024 Beware territoriality Jessica Kriegel, chief scientist of workplace culture at strategy firm Culture Partners, was working with a department in a large company that operated out of an office with about 60 people. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 26 June 2023 Some dogs may be aggressive due to fear or insecurity, while others may act out of excitement or territoriality. Amber, Discover Magazine, 15 Oct. 2022 See all Example Sentences for territoriality 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'territoriality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of territoriality was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near territoriality

Cite this Entry

“Territoriality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/territoriality. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

territoriality

noun
ter·​ri·​to·​ri·​al·​i·​ty ˌter-ə-ˌtōr-ē-ˈal-ət-ē How to pronounce territoriality (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: the pattern of behavior associated with the defense of an animal's territory

Legal Definition

territoriality

noun
ter·​ri·​to·​ri·​al·​i·​ty ˌter-ə-ˌtōr-ē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce territoriality (audio)
1
: territorial status
2
: the jurisdiction of a sovereign state over matters within the limits of its territory especially as exercisable apart from the minimum contacts standard for personal jurisdiction over nonresidents
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