nationality
nash-uh-NAL-ih-tee
Nationality (noun) means the legal status of belonging to a particular nation, usually shown on a passport. Example: “She holds dual nationality, British and Canadian.”
noun
1
The legal status of belonging to a particular nation, usually shown on a passport.
"She holds dual nationality, British and Canadian."
"What nationality are you — are you from here originally?"
"On the form, write your nationality in the box beside your name."
2
A group of people who share a common origin, culture, or ethnic identity.
"The region is home to several distinct nationalities living side by side."
"The city has long been home to people of many nationalities and languages."
"Each nationality in the valley has its own songs, food and festivals."
How to use nationality
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhich country you're legally a citizen of, or the ethnic/cultural group you belong to.
Common mistake
Nationality (legal citizenship) isn't always the same as ethnicity or where you were born — someone can hold British nationality without being ethnically British.
Common pairings
dual nationality
of Irish nationality
nationality and citizenship
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Word forms
- Plural
- nationalities
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She holds dual _____, British and Canadian.
Etymology
From "national" plus "-ity," a suffix that turns an adjective into an abstract noun — likely influenced by the French nationalité.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for nationality
See all rhymes for nationality →Frequently asked questions
What does “nationality” mean?
The word “nationality” means the legal status of belonging to a particular nation, usually shown on a passport. In plain terms, which country you're legally a citizen of, or the ethnic/cultural group you belong to.
How do you pronounce “nationality”?
“Nationality” is pronounced nash-uh-NAL-ih-tee (/ˌnæʃ.əˈnæl.ɪ.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “nationality” in a sentence?
Here is “nationality” used in a sentence: “She holds dual nationality, British and Canadian.”
What part of speech is “nationality”?
“Nationality” is a noun.
Where does the word “nationality” come from?
The word “nationality” comes from French. From "national" plus "-ity," a suffix that turns an adjective into an abstract noun — likely influenced by the French nationalité.
Is “nationality” a common word?
“Nationality” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “nationality” have?
“Nationality” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the legal status of belonging to a particular nation, usually shown on a passport.
What is the difference between nationality and citizenship?
Nationality refers to the legal status of belonging to a particular nation, usually shown on a passport, and is closely related to citizenship in most everyday uses. In some legal systems the two terms are treated as distinct, but in common usage they are largely interchangeable.
What is the difference between nationality and ethnicity?
Nationality is the legal status of belonging to a nation, typically documented by a passport, while ethnicity refers to a group of people who share a common origin, culture, or ethnic identity. A person can hold one nationality while identifying with a different ethnic background.
Can a person have more than one nationality?
Many countries allow dual or multiple nationality, meaning a person can hold legal status in more than one nation at the same time, though rules vary by country.
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