Search Dictionary
Definition of territory

territory

/ˈtɛr.əˌtɔːr.i/
ter · ri · to · ry
Adverb:territorially
•
Plural:territories
•
Adjective:territorial
JUMP TO:

territory Lexical Profile

territory Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An area of land under the jurisdiction of a specific ruler, state, or nation.

Example

"The treaty established the river as the official boundary between the two nations' territories."

2

An area defended by an animal or group of animals against others of the same sex or species.

Example

"The male robin aggressively defended its territory from rival birds during the spring breeding season."

3

A field of knowledge, expertise, or activity.

Example

"Quantum mechanics was unfamiliar territory for the undergraduate biology students."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for territory

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with 'terrain,' which refers to the physical or topographical features of a tract of land, whereas 'territory' primarily emphasizes political jurisdiction, ownership, or geographic boundaries.

• Rhymes for territory

• Nearby Words

terrine
territorial
territorially
territory
terror
terrorism
terrorist

Word Origin & Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin territorium 'land around a town, domain, district,' derived from terra 'earth, land.'

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Territory. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/territory
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.