LookItUp

sovereignty

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈsɑvrənti/ · UK /ˈsɒvrənti/

sovereignty means: A country’s right and power to govern itself without control from another country.

noun

SELF RULEC1

A country’s right and power to govern itself without control from another country.

  • The treaty protects our sovereignty.
  • Several countries questioned the island’s sovereignty.
  • They fought to preserve national sovereignty.

How to use it: sovereignty over something (The country claims sovereignty over these islands.)

Similar words: independence, self-government

Common phrases: national sovereignty, protect sovereignty, sovereignty over territory

SUPREME POWERC2

A ruler’s complete power to control a country or its people.

  • The king claimed absolute sovereignty.
  • The queen’s sovereignty extended across the kingdom.
  • Parliament challenged the monarch’s sovereignty.

How to use it: sovereignty over someone/something (The ruler asserted sovereignty over all his subjects.)

Similar words: supreme authority, dominion

Common phrases: royal sovereignty, absolute sovereignty, sovereignty over subjects

Questions about sovereignty

What does sovereignty mean?

A country’s right and power to govern itself without control from another country.

What is sovereignty in other languages?

Türkçe: egemenlik · Español: soberanía · Français: souveraineté · Deutsch: Souveränität · Italiano: sovranità · 日本語: 主権

How do you pronounce sovereignty?

In American English /ˈsɑvrənti/; in British English /ˈsɒvrənti/.

How do you use sovereignty in a sentence?

The treaty protects our sovereignty. Several countries questioned the island’s sovereignty.

Learn sovereignty while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

sovereignty in other languages

More words