sovereignty

American  

[sov-rin-tee, suhv-] / ˈsɒv rɪn ti, ˈsʌv- /

noun

plural

sovereignties

1. the quality or state of being sovereign, or of having supreme power or authority.

2. the status, dominion, power, or authority of a sovereign; royal rank or position; royalty.

3. supreme and independent power or authority in government as possessed or claimed by a state or community.

4. rightful status, independence, or prerogative.

5. a sovereign or independent state, community, or political unit.

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sovereignty British  

/ ˈsɒvrəntɪ /

noun

1. supreme and unrestricted power, as of a state

2. the position, dominion, or authority of a sovereign

3. an independent state

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sovereignty Cultural  

1. A nation or state's supreme power within its borders. A government might respond, for example, to criticism from foreign governments of its treatment of its own citizens by citing its rights of sovereignty.

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Other Word Forms

• self-sovereignty noun
• supersovereignty noun

Etymology

Origin of sovereignty

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English soverainte, from Anglo-French sovereynete, from Old French soverainete, equivalent to soverain sovereign + -ete -ty ²

Example Sentences

“This is intended to be a group that works together to ensure we’re defending our own sovereignty, we’re each defending our own security and economic prosperity,” Noem said at the summit.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

The nation of tropical islands in the Indian Ocean is asserting sovereignty over the Chagos Islands and is threatening international legal action to press its claim.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

“This war is going to suggest to some countries that if they want to secure their sovereignty, they need nuclear weapons,” Sagan said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

The official also said Tehran wanted international recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Because of the Treaty of Paris, Washington believed the US had sovereignty over the Ohio Country, a belief that was not shared by the people of the Indigenous nations who lived there.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Related Words

• dominance
• jurisdiction
• supremacy