adj

territorial

tehr-ih-TAW-ree-uhl

adj

Relating to a particular area of land or territory.

"The two countries have a long-running territorial dispute."

Showing a strong instinct to defend one's own space or possessions.

"Cats can become territorial around their food bowls."

"He got territorial about his desk at work."

How to Use Territorial

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRelated to a defined area of land, or (of animals or people) protective and possessive over one's own space.

Common pairings

territorial dispute territorial waters get territorial

more territorial comparative, territorials plural, most territorial superlative

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The two countries have a long-running _____ dispute.

From Late Latin territorialis, from Latin territorium, "territory."

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