territory
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for territory, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An area or extent of land, especially one under a particular government's control.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use territory
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin territorium, related to terra, "land."
Full origin of territory →Frequently asked questions
What does “territory” mean?
The word “territory” means an area or extent of land, especially one under a particular government's control. In plain terms, a defined area of land, responsibility, or influence.
How do you pronounce “territory”?
“Territory” is pronounced TEH-riht-ree (/ˈtɛɹɪˌtɔɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “territory” in a sentence?
Here is “territory” used in a sentence: “The soldiers advanced deep into enemy territory.”
What part of speech is “territory”?
“Territory” is a noun.
Where does the word “territory” come from?
The word “territory” comes from Latin. From Latin territorium, related to terra, "land.".
Is “territory” a common word?
“Territory” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “territory” have?
“Territory” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an area or extent of land, especially one under a particular government's control.
What is the difference between a territory and a country?
A country is usually a fully sovereign, self-governing state. A territory is an area of land under a government's control that often lacks that full independence — it may be governed by, or belong to, another nation. Some territories run their own local affairs but stop short of complete statehood.
What is an example of a territory?
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, and the Northern Territory is a large region of Australia governed federally rather than as a full state. More loosely, any defined stretch of land under a particular authority — a colonial territory, a sales territory — can be called one.
What does 'territory' mean for animals?
In biology, a territory is the area an animal or group claims and defends against others of its kind, typically to protect food, nesting sites or mates. Animals mark and patrol these areas using scent, sound or display, and intruders are usually challenged or driven off.