client state

noun

1. a country that is dependent on a larger and more powerful country for its political, economic, or military welfare.

Word History and Origins

Origin of client state¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

A recurring pattern of behaviour was emerging: MBS’s tendency to jettison the traditionally slow and collegiate system of Saudi decision-making, preferring to act unpredictably or upon impulse; and refusing to kowtow to the US, or be treated as head of a backward client state.

From BBC

For the UAE, Mr Abiy's adventurism is both an opportunity and a risk: Ethiopia could become an important Red Sea power - and an Emirati client state; or a new war in the Horn could jeopardise their gains in Sudan.

From BBC

The ancient city was the capital of an Arab client state of the Roman Empire that briefly rebelled and carved out its own kingdom in the third century, led by Queen Zenobia.

From Seattle Times

Poland borders Ukraine and Russia’s client state Belarus in the east and the Russia territory of Kaliningrad in the north.

From New York Times

And Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, is trying to prove that the kingdom is not just an American “client state.”

From New York Times