adj
Common
territorial
tehr-ih-TAW-ree-uhl
Territorial (adj) means relating to a particular area of land or territory. Example: “The treaty settled a territorial claim over a small stretch of coastline.”
adj
1
Relating to a particular area of land or territory.
"The treaty settled a territorial claim over a small stretch of coastline."
"Territorial waters are the part of the sea that belongs to a nation."
"The two countries have a long-running territorial dispute."
2
Showing a strong instinct to defend one's own space or possessions.
"My dog gets very territorial whenever strangers walk past our garden gate."
"Cats can become territorial around their food bowls."
"He got territorial about his desk at work."
How to use territorial
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- territorials
- Comparative
- more territorial
- Superlative
- most territorial
Fill the gap
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The treaty settled a _____ claim over a small stretch of coastline.
Etymology
From Late Latin territorialis, from Latin territorium, "territory."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonterritorial
extraterritorial
Related words
Rhymes for territorial
See all rhymes for territorial →Frequently asked questions
What does “territorial” mean?
The word “territorial” means relating to a particular area of land or territory. In plain terms, related to a defined area of land, or (of animals or people) protective and possessive over one's own space.
How do you pronounce “territorial”?
“Territorial” is pronounced tehr-ih-TAW-ree-uhl (/ˌtɛɹ.əˈtɔɹ.i.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “territorial” in a sentence?
Here is “territorial” used in a sentence: “The two countries have a long-running territorial dispute.”
What part of speech is “territorial”?
“Territorial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “territorial” come from?
The word “territorial” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin territorialis, from Latin territorium, "territory.".
Is “territorial” a common word?
“Territorial” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “territorial” have?
“Territorial” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to a particular area of land or territory.
Can "territorial" describe a person and not just an animal or land?
Yes. Applied to people, "territorial" describes someone who is protective and possessive of their own space, belongings, or role, such as a colleague who guards their responsibilities. This use draws on the same defensive instinct seen in animals.
What are common collocations with "territorial"?
Frequent pairings include territorial waters, territorial dispute, territorial rights, and territorial claim when referring to land, and territorial behaviour or territorial instinct when referring to defending one's space.
What is the difference between "territorial" and "regional"?
"Regional" simply relates to a region or area, whereas "territorial" adds the sense of ownership or control over a defined territory. "Territorial" can also carry the extra meaning of defending that space, which "regional" does not.
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