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territory

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noun British English pronunciation: territory /ˈterət(ə)ri/ 
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singularterritory
pluralterritories
  1. 1
    [countable/uncountable] an area of land controlled by a particular country, leader, or army

    The French army invaded the Austrian territories of Piedmont and Lombardy.

    occupied territory (=land controlled by enemy soldiers):

    They are still refusing to withdraw troops from the occupied territories.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  territoryThesaurus entry for this meaning of territory
    1. a.
      [countable] an area of land that is officially part of a country but does not have the status of a state or province

      US territories and possessions

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  territoryThesaurus entry for this meaning of territory
  2. 2
    [countable/uncountable] an area that an animal considers to be its own, and tries to prevent others from entering

    A lion will fearlessly defend its territory and family.

    Male birds compete for territories and mates.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  territoryThesaurus entry for this meaning of territory
    1. a.
      an area of a town or country that a person or organization is responsible for, especially as part of their work

      The Water Authority’s territory covers 5,000 square miles.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  territoryThesaurus entry for this meaning of territory
    2. b.
      [uncountable] an area that belongs to or is used by someone

      These two rooms are my territory, so stay out.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  territoryThesaurus entry for this meaning of territory
    3. c.
      [uncountable] an area that a player or team defends in a sport

      He kicked the ball deep into United’s territory.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  territoryThesaurus entry for this meaning of territory
  3. 3
    [uncountable] an area of knowledge, study, or experience

    Social work is familiar territory to her.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  territoryThesaurus entry for this meaning of territory

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This is the British English definition of territory. View American English definition of territory.

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