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.

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principality British  

/ ˌprɪnsɪˈpælɪtɪ /

noun

1. 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

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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

But with a man fewer, the principality team still scored again through Jordan Teze and Wout Faes missed a glorious chance to force extra time.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Yes, you can enjoy the principality of Monaco, with its casinos, yachts and Grand Prix, without a princely budget.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

F1 moves on to Monaco next weekend, and Hamilton was thinking positively about the famous race on the streets of the principality.

From BBC • May 18, 2025

Joan Verdu, getting a best-ever World Cup result for the tiny principality of Andorra, was third trailing Odermatt by 1.32 seconds.

From Washington Times • Dec. 9, 2023

I shall consider solely the principality, weaving together the threads mentioned above as I go, and I shall discuss how these principalities can be governed and maintained.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Related Words

• city
• county
• field
• locality
• neighborhood
• section
• sector
• square
• state
• territory
• township
• zone