territorial waters

[ ter-i-tawr-ee-uhl waw-terz, wot-erz ]

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). Compare high sea ( def 1 ), marginal sea ( def 2 ).

territorial waters

plural noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of territorial waters¹

First recorded in 1870–75