statehood

noun

state·​hood ˈstāt-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce statehood (audio)
: the condition of being a state
especially : the status of being one of the states of the U.S.

Examples of statehood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Indonesia’s trajectory to statehood was significantly influenced by the diffusion of political and religious ideas (notably communism and political Islam), global trade, and the great wars of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 Netanyahu's administration grew more critical the following year when the Vatican formally recognized Palestinian statehood, calling it a setback in diplomatic ties between Israel and the Holy See, which were established in 1993. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 Certainly not one with apple pie, the NFL and U.S. statehood. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025 After the war, Illinois became part of the U.S. and the Northwest Territory, eventually achieving statehood. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for statehood

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of statehood was in 1805

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Cite this Entry

“Statehood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statehood. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

statehood

noun
state·​hood ˈstāt-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce statehood (audio)
: the condition of being a state
especially : the condition or status of one of the states of the U.S.
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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