protectorate
noun
pro·tec·tor·ate
prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət 
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
Image Image Somaliland was a British protectorate until its independence on June 26, 1960.
—
Abdi Latif Dahir, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
The main languages spoken in Morocco are French (the country was a former protectorate), English, and Darija, a dialect of Arabic primarily spoken in North Africa.
—Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
Within 35 years, virtually the entire continent, only a few patches excepted, was made up of European colonies or protectorates.
—Adam Hochschild, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2018
In 1815, Monaco became a Sardinian protectorate before receiving independence once again in 1861.
—Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 21 Mar. 2025
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Abdi Latif Dahir, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
The main languages spoken in Morocco are French (the country was a former protectorate), English, and Darija, a dialect of Arabic primarily spoken in North Africa.
—Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
Within 35 years, virtually the entire continent, only a few patches excepted, was made up of European colonies or protectorates.
—Adam Hochschild, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2018
In 1815, Monaco became a Sardinian protectorate before receiving independence once again in 1861.
—Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for protectorate
Cite this Entry
“Protectorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protectorate. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
protectorate
noun
pro·tec·tor·ate
prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət
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
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