territory
TEH-riht-ree
Territory (noun) means an area or extent of land, especially one under a particular government's control. Example: “The soldiers advanced deep into enemy territory.”
noun
1
An area or extent of land, especially one under a particular government's control.
"The soldiers advanced deep into enemy territory."
"The two countries agreed to share control of the disputed territory."
"Explorers mapped the vast, empty territory north of the river."
2
An area or subject that a person or organization is responsible for.
"Client relations fall outside her territory at the company."
"Hiring new staff is her territory, so ask her about the job."
"Fixing the website is not my territory; I only write the text."
3
An area that an animal defends against others of its own kind.
"Male robins fiercely defend their territory during breeding season."
"A lone wolf will mark its territory and chase away any stranger that enters."
"The cat hissed when another cat wandered into its territory in the garden."
How to use territory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA defined area of land, responsibility, or influence.
Common pairings
enemy territory
sales territory
mark territory
uncharted territory
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Word forms
- Plural
- territories
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The soldiers advanced deep into enemy _____.
Etymology
From Latin territorium, related to terra, "land."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for territory
See all rhymes for 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.
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