sovereignty

[ sov-rin-tee, suhv- ]

noun

, plural sov·er·eign·ties.

1. the quality or state of being sovereign, or of having supreme power or authority.
2. the status, dominion, power, or authority of a sovereign; royal rank or position; royalty.
3. supreme and independent power or authority in government as possessed or claimed by a state or community.
4. rightful status, independence, or prerogative.
5. a sovereign or independent state, community, or political unit.

sovereignty

/ ˈsɒvrəntɪ /

noun

1. supreme and unrestricted power, as of a state
2. the position, dominion, or authority of a sovereign
3. an independent state

sovereignty

1. A nation or state's supreme power within its borders. A government might respond, for example, to criticism from foreign governments of its treatment of its own citizens by citing its rights of sovereignty.

Other Words From

• self-sover·eign·ty noun
• super·sover·eign·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sovereignty¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English soverainte, from Anglo-French sovereynete, from Old French soverainete, equivalent to soverain sovereign + -ete -ty ²

Example Sentences

On Monday, Smotrich said that 2025 would be "the year of sovereignty" in the West Bank, adding that he had instructed Israeli authorities to begin preparatory work for annexation of the occupied territory.

From BBC

Under the deal, the UK will hand over sovereignty of the islands while retaining control over a joint UK-US military base on the island of Diego Garcia, for an "initial period" of 99 years.

From BBC

The vote comes after a historic agreement in which the UK gave up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

From BBC

Neither Trump nor the Republican party has declared any official policies for Indigenous people, but tribal leaders worry the new administration could slow land return efforts, slash essential services and undermine their sovereignty.

From Los Angeles Times

Last month, Zelensky presented a "victory plan" to the Ukrainian parliament that included a refusal to cede Ukraine’s territories and sovereignty.

From BBC

Related Words

• dominance
• jurisdiction
• supremacy