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

Jonson told Sweden's public broadcaster SVT there was probably a "strong link" between the drone and a Russian naval vessel in Sweden's territorial waters in the Oresund Strait, between Sweden and Denmark.

From BBC

Takaichi has vowed that Japan will steadfastly protect its territory, territorial waters and airspace.

From Barron's

The interior ministry said earlier that the speedboat had entered its territorial waters and was "one nautical mile off Cayo Falcones" on the country's northern coast when it was intercepted.

From BBC

The Cuban statement alluded to these tensions, saying that "in the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect it territorial waters" and safeguard its sovereignty.

From BBC

“In the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters,” the ministry said in a statement posted by the Cuban Embassy in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal