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principality

American  
[prin-suh-pal-i-tee] / ˌprɪn səˈpæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

principalities

  1. a state ruled by a prince, usually a relatively small state or a state that falls within a larger state such as an empire.

  2. the position or authority of a prince or chief ruler; sovereignty; supreme power.

  3. the rule of a prince of a small or subordinate state.

  4. British. the Principality, Wales.

  5. Theology. principalities,

    1. an order of angels.

    2. supramundane powers often in conflict with God. Ephesians 6:12.

  6. Obsolete. preeminence.

principality British  
/ ˌprɪnsɪˈpælɪtɪ /

noun

    1. a territory ruled by a prince

    2. a territory from which a prince draws his title

  2. the dignity or authority of a prince

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of principality

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English principalite, from Old French, from Late Latin prīncipālitās “first place, superiority” ( Medieval Latin: “authority or territory of a prince”). See principal, -ity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"This week I suddenly lost my cousin and best friend Harri," wrote Morgan under a picture of the pair at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Wales, who play Scotland at Principality Stadium on the opening weekend, are aiming to better last year's record crowd of 21,186 for a Wales women's team event on home soil.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Italy meanwhile will travel to the Principality Stadium in high spirits after a historic first win against England in Rome last Saturday.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Fiji beat Wales 24-19 when the teams last met at the Principality Stadium in a 2024 November international.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

Caw succeeded his father in his patrimonial inheritance, at this time entitled the Principality of Ferlex and Brecon; and Gloyw succeeded him; and Hoyw him, flourishing a.d.

From Antigua and the Antiguans, Volume II (of 2) A full account of the colony and its inhabitants from the time of the Caribs to the present day by Anonymous

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.