principality

noun

prin·​ci·​pal·​i·​ty ˌprin(t)-sə-ˈpa-lə-tē 

plural principalities

1

a

: the state, office, or authority of a prince

b

: the position or responsibilities of a principal (as of a school)

2

: the territory or jurisdiction of a prince : the country that gives title to a prince

3

principalities plural : an order of angels see celestial hierarchy

Examples of principality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When incorporated in 1984 in the principality of Liechtenstein, Acemex Management Company Limited was created as a means of survival. —Kevin G. Hall, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025

In 1542 a treaty with Spain would have made the principality a fiefdom, but the Grimaldi’s insisted on language that at least gave lip service to their sovereignty. —Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 21 Mar. 2025

Dmitriy Rybolovlev, the Russian billionaire and majority owner of the French football club AS Monaco, has been cleared of all criminal proceedings in Monaco, following a ruling by the principality’s Court of Appeal on February 27. —Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 Feb. 2025

These companies now generate some 30 percent of the principality’s revenues. —Eric B. Schnurer, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2015

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for principality

• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criminality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality

Kids Definition

principality

noun

prin·​ci·​pal·​i·​ty ˌprin(t)-sə-ˈpal-ət-ē 

plural principalities

: a small territory that is ruled by a prince