statehood

American  

[steyt-hood] / ˈsteɪt hʊd /

noun

1. the status or condition of being a state, especially a state of the U.S.

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Etymology

Origin of statehood

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; state + -hood

Example Sentences

It was a moment of elation for those who campaigned for continued political union with the rest of the UK, but a moment of despair for those who made the case for Scottish statehood.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

After Jackson’s 1988 presidential campaign defeat, he was elected in 1990 as a shadow senator for Washington, D.C. — a position created to lobby Congress for D.C. statehood.

From Salon • Feb. 17, 2026

By the time of statehood in 1850, according to one estimate, there had been around 500 to 1,500 enslaved people brought to California, their status obscured even after the state constitution was enacted.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2026

Once the Palestinian Authority has carried out requested reforms and the rebuilding of Gaza is underway, "the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood," the draft says.

From Barron's • Nov. 17, 2025

By appropriating the language of genes and inheritance, entire systems of power and statehood were justified and reinforced.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee