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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.

Luis Enrique was asked about those comments after arriving in Monaco on Monday, on the eve of the Champions League play-off first leg against the principality side.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

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

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

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc literally knows Monaco better than any other driver, but he still hasn’t won a race in the principality.

From Washington Times • May 26, 2023

The difficulties they encounter in acquiring the principality grow, in part, out of the new institutions and methods they are forced to introduce in order to establish their state and their security.

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.