nationality

American  

[nash-uh-nal-i-tee] / ˌnæʃ əˈnæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

nationalities

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.

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nationality British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of nationality

First recorded in 1685–95; national + -ity

Explanation

Your nationality is the country you come from: American, Canadian, and Russian are all nationalities. Everyone has a gender, race, sexual orientation...and a nationality. A person's nationality is where they are a legal citizen, usually in the country where they were born. People from Mexico have Mexican nationality, and people from Australia have Australian nationality. People of the same nationality usually share traditions and customs, and they might look a little alike, too. Nationality is one of many qualities that bring people together.

Example Sentences

He responded by burning his passport in public, claiming he had been "freed from the burden of French nationality".

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

A smaller 2026 crop, with rising demand for livestock feed in some of the most populous countries, including China and India, will put pressure on global corn prices, affecting everyone regardless of their nationality.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Years later on filings tied to the mansion plots on Billionaires’ Row, he listed his nationality as Cypriot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Over half of those crossing since Sunday specified the nationality of their owner, crew or cargo using their AIS signals, it showed.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Someone who could sign an affidavit swearing to my name and nationality and religion.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron

Related Words

• citizenship
• community
• ethnic group
• origin
• society