territory
noun
\
Definition of territory
1a : a geographic area belonging to or under the jurisdiction of a governmental authority
b : an administrative subdivision of a country
c : a part of the U.S. not included within any state but organized with a separate legislature
d : a geographic area (such as a colonial possession) dependent on an external government but having some degree of autonomy
2a : an indeterminate geographic area
b : a field of knowledge or interest
3a : an assigned area especially : one in which a sales representative or distributor operates
b : an area often including a nesting or denning site and a variable foraging range that is occupied and defended by an animal or group of animals
: to be a natural or unavoidable aspect or accompaniment of a particular situation, position, or field criticism goes with the territory in this job
Keep scrolling for more
Examples of territory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Yamane was the son of a successful immigrant businessman in Hawaii who had arrived in the territory in total poverty. — Tyrone Beason / Columnist, The Seattle Times, "Kazuo Yamane’s WWII story shows the lengths to which some must go to prove their loyalty to America," 11 Nov. 2018 Suddenly Francine, Alec, and Carole were Jews in territory controlled by the Third Reich. — James Mcauley, Town & Country, "The Tragic, Fascinating History of Santo Sospir," 13 Aug. 2018 At bats and games are decided in the territory around the margins of the strike zone. — Tom Verducci, SI.com, "The Star That Still Won't Shine: The Incredible, Unprecedented but Unseen Greatness of Mike Trout," 12 July 2018 Smith belongs to the same generation as pianist Robert Glasper, and he traffics in similar territory, but the former keeps a much tighter rein on his band, dispensing endless vamps and incorporating solos that go against the music’s smooth veneer. — Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader, "Jazz drummer Nate Smith comes into his own as a bandleader with a sleek strain of R&B and funk that showcases his improvisational elasticity," 12 July 2018 The edict is allegedly in response to a new bill brought to the Knesset by Jewish Home Party MK Bezalel Smotrich, which would allow Jews to purchase land in Area C territory in Judea and Samaria. — Jewish Journal, "Mufti issues 'fatwa' forbidding Muslims to sell land to Jews," 11 July 2018 Bregman hit a ball that ricocheted off home plate, briefly rolled in foul territory and then rolled fair. — Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, "Houston Astros get wild walk-off win against Oakland Athletics," 11 July 2018 Oakland catcher Jonathan Lucroy scopped up the ball in fair territory and tried to tag Bregman for an easy out, but somehow lost control of the baseball and a juking Bregman took off down the first-base line. — Matt Young, Houston Chronicle, "Relive Astros' Alex Bregman's wacky walk-off in photos," 11 July 2018 Austin Hedges then popped out in foul territory behind the plate and pitcher Tyson Ross, pinch-hitting because the Padres were out of position players, struck out to leave the Padres 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position in the game. — Kevin Acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Wil Myers' homer matters this time, Padres down Diamondbacks in 16," 8 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'territory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for territory
territory
noun
English Language Learners Definition of territory
: an area of land that belongs to or is controlled by a government
: one of the parts of the United States that is not a state
: any one of the large parts that some countries are divided into
See the full definition for territory in the English Language Learners Dictionary
territory
noun
\
Kids Definition of territory
1 : a geographical area belonging to or under the rule of a government
2 : a part of the United States not included within any state but organized with a separate governing body
3 : region sense 1, district
4 : an area that is occupied and defended by an animal or group of animals
territory
noun
\
Legal Definition of territory
1 : a geographical area belonging to or under the jurisdiction of a governmental authority
2 : a political subdivision of a country
3 : a part of the U.S. (as Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands) not included within any state but organized with a separate legislature — compare trust territory
Other Words from territory
\
adjective
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on territory
What made you want to look up territory? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Late Autumn 2018 Words of the Day Quiz
-
- Which is a synonym of yahoo?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share territory
Resources for territory