freedom of the seas
Americannoun
noun
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the right of ships of all nations to sail the high seas in peacetime
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(in wartime) the immunity accorded to neutral ships from attack
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the exclusive jurisdiction possessed by a state over its own ships sailing the high seas in peacetime
Etymology
Origin of freedom of the seas
First recorded in 1915–20
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.
Washington’s willingness to maintain freedom of the seas, unilaterally or with allies, has deteriorated in recent years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026
Ultimately he thinks that a "some kind of deal" is the only way to restore the freedom of the seas that the health of the global economy relies on.
From BBC ● Mar. 10, 2026
There would be freedom of the seas, reduced barriers to free trade, and promotion of social welfare through economic cooperation.
From Textbooks ● Dec. 14, 2022
Gilday said it’s in all of their political, social and economic interest to ensure freedom of the seas.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 15, 2021
The United States early ranged herself, also, on the side of the nations that championed freedom of the seas for commerce in time of war.
From The Unpopular Review, Number 19 July-December 1918 by Various
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.
