territorial waters

American  

[ter-i-tawr-ee-uhl waw-terz, wot-erz] / ˈtɛr ɪˌtɔr i əl ˈwɔ tərz, ˈwɒt ərz /

plural noun

International Law.

1. the waters of a coastal state or nation that are regarded as under the jurisdiction of the state or nation, traditionally within 3 miles (4.8 km) of the shore, but with claims by certain coastal nations that have extended to 12 or even 200 miles (20 or 322 km).

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territorial waters British  

plural noun

1. the waters over which a nation exercises jurisdiction and control

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Etymology

Origin of territorial waters

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Takaichi on Monday vowed that Japan would "steadfastly protect its territory, territorial waters, airspace".

From Barron's

But the Japanese test mission was carried out within its own territorial waters.

From Barron's

The day of the operation, the Federal Aviation Administration banned U.S. commercial aircraft from operating in airspace above Venezuela and over that country’s territorial waters.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is not yet any regulatory framework for operating nuclear-powered commercial ships, nor any diplomatic agreement on allowing such ships into territorial waters and harbors around the world.

From The Wall Street Journal

Countries can legally seize vessels in their territorial waters under rules set by the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations maritime regulator.

From The Wall Street Journal