nationality

American  

[nash-uh-nal-i-tee] / ˌnæʃ əˈnæl ɪ ti /

noun

• nationalities
  plural

1. the status of belonging to a particular nation, whether by birth or naturalization.

   the nationality of an immigrant.

2. the relationship of property, holdings, etc., to a particular nation, or to one or more of its members.

   the nationality of a ship.

3. nationalism.

4. existence as a distinct nation; national independence.

   a small colony that has just achieved nationality.

5. a nation or people.

   the nationalities of the Americas.

6. a national quality or character.

   Nationalities tend to submerge and disappear in a metropolis.

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nationality British  

/ ˌnæʃəˈnælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or fact of being a citizen of a particular nation

2. a body of people sharing common descent, history, language, etc; a nation

3. a national group

   30 different nationalities are found in this city

4. national character or quality

5. the state or fact of being a nation; national status

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• nationalities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of nationality

First recorded in 1685–95; national + -ity

Explanation

Your nationality is the country you come from: American, Canadian, and Russian are all nationalities. Everyone has a gender, race, sexual orientation...and a nationality. A person's nationality is where they are a legal citizen, usually in the country where they were born. People from Mexico have Mexican nationality, and people from Australia have Australian nationality. People of the same nationality usually share traditions and customs, and they might look a little alike, too. Nationality is one of many qualities that bring people together.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nationality nationalities

"It's everything to me," Kerr said of his nationality.

From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2026

Some 8,500 ships sail the seas with Panama’s flag, and China’s targeted inspections could prompt more shipowners to look for a different nationality to sail under.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

The name gallium comes from Gaul, the ancient Latin name for France, honoring the nationality of its discoverer.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 9, 2026

My hope for this country: To be a part of it in all aspects, whether if it’s I’m making a difference as a voter, resident, or even, just nationality.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026

Marriages that cross class boundaries may not present as obvious a set of challenges as those that cross the lines of race or nationality.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

Since Anthropic couldn’t verify users’ nationalities in real time, it turned the models off for everyone.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

Officials said the 12 people who died were of different nationalities who had been trapped in vehicles and as they tried to flee on foot.

From Barron's ● Jul. 11, 2026

Meanwhile Qatar has brought players from 10 nationalities, from Africans to Europeans and a South American.

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026

The divergent societies the two ships bequeathed would foster what Mr. Reynolds maintains were in effect two competing nationalities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 10, 2026

Regardless of their nationalities, everyone spoke in what sounded to me like excellent French.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

• citizenship
• community
• ethnic group
• origin
• society