protectorate

noun

pro·​tec·​tor·​ate prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce protectorate (audio)
1
a
: government by a protector
b
capitalized : the government of England (1653–59) under the Cromwells
c
: the rank, office, or period of rule of a protector
2
a
: the relationship of superior authority assumed by one power or state over a dependent one
b
: the dependent political unit or territory in such a relationship

Examples of protectorate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Action builds to a spectacular titular sequence as Ibrahim tries to take a direct route from Morocco to Melilla jumping the fence surrounding the Spanish protectorate. Callum McLennan, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024 Benito Mussolini declared Albania an Italian protectorate and forced Zog into exile. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2024 Over the next century, sections of what would become the modern nation-state of Nigeria were consolidated into protectorates. Tausif Noor, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2023 Morocco was a French and Spanish protectorate from 1912 until its independence in 1956, and national leaders from both countries were among those to offer solidarity and help in the wake of the deadly earthquake that struck overnight. By joanna Sugden, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2023 Nearly half of the countries in Africa were at one time French colonies or protectorates. Elian Peltier, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2023 The map in McKinley’s grasp could be replaced by that of Guam, the Philippines, Hawaiʻi or even Cuba as a U.S. protectorate, and Oller’s metaphor still holds. Taína Caragol, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Aug. 2023 The al-Thani family was in charge of parts of Qatar since the 1800s and increased its power while the area was a British protectorate. Ruby Mellen, Washington Post, 4 May 2023 When Britain became a protectorate under Cromwell, England’s crown jewels dating to medieval times were melted down along with other royal regalia. Karla Adam, Washington Post, 5 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'protectorate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of protectorate was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near protectorate

Cite this Entry

“Protectorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protectorate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

protectorate

noun
pro·​tec·​tor·​ate prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce protectorate (audio)
1
a
: government by a protector
b
: the office or period of rule of a protector
2
: a small country ruled by a larger one
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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