plural nations
1
a
: a large area of land that is controlled by its own government : country
It's one of the richest/poorest nations in the world.
the largest state/province in the nation
industrialized/developing nations
the United Nations
b
: the people who live in a nation
The President will speak to the nation tonight.
The entire nation is celebrating the victory.
2
: a tribe of Native Americans or a group of Native American tribes that share the same history, traditions, or language
the Cheyenne Indian Nation
the Navajo Nation
Cite this Entry
“Nation.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/nation. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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