national

[nash-uh-nl, nash-nuhl]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or maintained by a nation as an organized whole or independent political unit.

   national affairs.

2. owned, preserved, or maintained by the federal government.

   a national wildlife refuge.

3. peculiar or common to the whole people of a country.

   national customs.

4. devoted to one's own nation, its interests, etc.; patriotic.

   to stir up national pride.

5. nationalist.

6. concerning or encompassing an entire nation.

   a national radio network.

7. limited to one nation.

noun

1. a citizen or subject of a particular nation who is entitled to its protection.

   U.S. nationals living abroad.

2. Often nationals. a national competition, tournament, or the like.

   We're invited to Minneapolis for the nationals.

3. a national company or organization.

national

¹

/ ˈnæʃənəl /

adjective

1. of, involving, or relating to a nation as a whole

2. of, relating to, or characteristic of a particular nation

   the national dress of Poland

3. rare,  nationalistic or patriotic

noun

1. a citizen or subject

2. a national newspaper

National

²

/ ˈnæʃənəl /

noun

1. short for the Grand National

Other Word Forms

• nationally adverb
• antinational adjective
• antinationally adverb
• nonnational adjective
• nonnationally adverb
• prenational adjective
• pronational adjective
• pseudonational adjective
• pseudonationally adverb
• quasi-national adjective
• quasi-nationally adverb
• subnational adjective
• unnational adjective
• unnationally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of national¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; nation + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Exceptions will be made when classified national security information is inadvertently stated or language is used that violates Federal Communications Commission broadcast standards.

From Los Angeles Times

Israel's far-right national security minister called for the full occupation of Gaza in response, claiming this was the only way to "bring back the hostages in security".

From BBC

Many of those killed were foreign nationals, including three British people whose identities have not yet been announced.

From BBC

She also has four caps with the senior national team, the first coming on Feb. 20.

From Los Angeles Times

But the speech was more about firing up the Reform troops than setting out policies, as he sought to capitalise on the party's recent local election victories and consistent lead in the national opinion polls.

From BBC

Related Words

• civil 
• communal 
• domestic 
• ethnic 
• governmental www.thesaurus.com
• internal 
• interstate 
• nationwide 
• public 
• social