DictionaryAI

nation

NAY-shuhn/ˈneɪʃən/

Pluralnations

9 meanings of nation

Practice

  1. 1
    countrynounmetonymicallycountable
    A country that rules itself and is not controlled by any other country.

    Like a big club that runs itself and makes its own rules.

    Every nation has the right to make its own laws.

    Small nations sometimes work together to protect themselves.

    UsageFor a place you visit or live in, country is the usual word.

    Similarcountry, state

    Note
  2. 2
    people (shared culture)nouncollectivecountable
    A large group of people joined by what they share, such as a language, homeland, history, or way of life.

    Like a huge family that shares the same language, home, and traditions.

    The nation shares one language, one homeland, and many old customs.

    Some nations keep their culture alive even without a country of their own.

    Similarpeople

    Note
  3. 3
    native tribenouncountable
    A Native American or other Indigenous people of North America, or a group of them, and sometimes the land they govern.

    Like a smaller self-governing place that sits inside a larger country.

    The Cherokee Nation runs its own schools and health clinics.

    Many Native nations in the US and Canada have their own governments.

    UsageIt usually comes after the name of the people. For many groups, say Native nations.

    Similartribe

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of nation apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origins

Meanings 1–4, 6

It came from Latin "natio," meaning nation, through Old French and Middle English. It replaced the native Old English word "theod."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts

  • Nation derives from Latin natio, meaning nation, through Old French and Middle English. en.wiktionary.org
  • Nation displaced the native Old English word theod (þēod). en.wiktionary.org
Meaning 5

It is a short form of "damnation" or "tarnation."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact