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).

---

territorial waters British  

plural noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of territorial waters

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

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

Japan's coast guard said two Chinese coast guard patrol ships entered Japan's territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea in the early hours of Tuesday, and left a few hours later.

From Barron's

Trinidad’s government has given the U.S. access in territorial waters for military maneuvers.

From The Wall Street Journal

A Chinese research vessel called Xue Long 2 transited close to Canadian territorial waters this summer for the second year in a row.

From The Wall Street Journal