nationality

[ nash-uh-nal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural na·tion·al·i·ties

1. the status of belonging to a particular nation, whether by birth or naturalization:

   the nationality of an immigrant.

2. the relationship of property, holdings, etc., to a particular nation, or to one or more of its members:

   the nationality of a ship.

3. nationalism.
4. existence as a distinct nation; national independence:

   a small colony that has just achieved nationality.

5. a nation or people:

   the nationalities of the Americas.

6. a national quality or character:

   Nationalities tend to submerge and disappear in a metropolis.

nationality

/ ˌnæʃəˈnælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or fact of being a citizen of a particular nation
2. a body of people sharing common descent, history, language, etc; a nation
3. a national group

   30 different nationalities are found in this city

4. national character or quality
5. the state or fact of being a nation; national status

Word History and Origins

Origin of nationality¹

First recorded in 1685–95; national + -ity

Related Words

• citizenship
• community
• ethnic group
• origin
• society