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Synonyms

principality

American  
[prin-suh-pal-i-tee] / ˌprɪn səˈpæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

principalities

  1. a state ruled by a prince, usually a relatively small state or a state that falls within a larger state such as an empire.

  2. the position or authority of a prince or chief ruler; sovereignty; supreme power.

  3. the rule of a prince of a small or subordinate state.

  4. British. the Principality, Wales.

  5. Theology. principalities,

    1. an order of angels.

    2. supramundane powers often in conflict with God. Ephesians 6:12.

  6. Obsolete. preeminence.

principality British  
/ ˌprɪnsɪˈpælɪtɪ /

noun

    1. a territory ruled by a prince

    2. a territory from which a prince draws his title

  2. the dignity or authority of a prince

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of principality

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English principalite, from Old French, from Late Latin prīncipālitās “first place, superiority” ( Medieval Latin: “authority or territory of a prince”). See principal, -ity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yes, you can enjoy the principality of Monaco, with its casinos, yachts and Grand Prix, without a princely budget.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

Japan's Takumi Minamino scored the only goal of the game for Monaco in the principality -- the former Liverpool player's second-half strike inflicting a second domestic defeat of the campaign on PSG.

From Barron's • Nov. 29, 2025

The circuit is a unique challenge for drivers, with roads around the principality narrow with tight turns and a mile-long tunnel.

From BBC • May 21, 2025

Joan Verdu, getting a best-ever World Cup result for the tiny principality of Andorra, was third trailing Odermatt by 1.32 seconds.

From Washington Times • Dec. 9, 2023

Those who, like these men, become princes through their virtue acquire the principality with difficulty, but they hold on to it easily.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.