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 is now an offence for players or officials to insult someone because of their race, religion, ethnicity, colour, nationality or background.

From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026

The most common nationality of refugees in a new social letting was Afghanistan with the second most common being Ukraine.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 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

Nicaraguans “live in a state of terror,” said Dora María Tellez, a prominent Ortega critic who was imprisoned for nearly two years before she was stripped of her nationality and forced into exile in 2023.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026

Germany required all civilians to legally register and carry documentation that contained our name, photograph, nationality, race, birth, and family details.

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys

No information has been provided about the nationalities of the deportees.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

Despite Beijing’s denials, these provisions directly contradict China’s constitution, which guarantees different nationalities within China the right to their own languages and customs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026

Somerville said Scotland had a long history of welcoming people of all nationalities and faiths, including those seeking refuge and asylum from war and persecution.

From BBC ● Jun. 25, 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

There were thirteen people seated there and, as M. Bouc had said, of all classes and nationalities.

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

Related Words

• citizenship
• community
• ethnic group
• origin
• society