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

Explanation

Sovereignty can describe the power of one state or thing over another or the freedom a state or thing has to control itself. Look closely at the word sovereignty, and you will see it is all about who reigns, or rules. Although sovereignty is usually used in a political sense — particularly the power of nations, it can be used to describe personal control as well: If your mother insists upon your wearing wool hats in summertime, you might declare complete sovereignty over your wardrobe. The word is also occasionally used for the power of royalty, like a queen.

Example Sentences

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the country needs to double the capacity of its electricity grid by 2050, a project with a trillion-dollar price tag but necessary to ensure the country’s sovereignty and prosperity.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

"It is past time for them to gain genuine sovereignty and independence."

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

Active service members told the BBC during a recent Arctic sovereignty and security operation in Canada's northern territory of Nunavut that the new funding is welcome and - in some cases - long overdue.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

However, Wang added, “China supports Iran’s efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and security,” including its right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

From Slate • May 7, 2026

On the all-important question of sovereignty, the same artfully contrived ambiguity also obtained: Sovereignty did not reside with the federal government or the individual states; it resided with “the people.”

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

• dominance
• jurisdiction
• supremacy