easy
The bird sang from a branch near the edge of its territory.
What does Territory mean?
Territory is an area under someone’s control, an official political area, or a field of activity or knowledge.
Dictionary definition
Land, water, or space controlled by or connected with a country, government, group, person, or animal; an official political division with a particular form of government; or a field of knowledge, work, or experience.
Example sentences
Territory in a sentence
easy
The treaty describes the territory governed by each country.
medium
Nunavut is one of Canada’s three territories.
medium
The new sales representative was assigned the northern territory.
hard
Fractions were familiar territory, but algebra was new territory for the class.
hard
The school acknowledged that it stands on the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Territory
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
Which list shows three common uses of territory?
Territory can describe control of land or space, an official political area, or a subject or activity.
Practice 2
What does familiar territory mean in “This kind of puzzle is familiar territory for Lee”?
Familiar territory can figuratively mean a field or situation someone already understands.
Practice 3
Which statement about Canada is accurate?
Canada’s three territories exercise powers delegated under federal authority, unlike provinces’ constitutionally recognized powers.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Territory
Voice settings
Sounds like
tair · ih · tor · ee · strongest beat: tair
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordTerritory.
Partnoun.
MeaningTerritory is an area under someone’s control, an official political area, or a field of activity or knowledge.
ExampleExample: The bird sang from a branch near the edge of its territory.
Word breakdown
4 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- tair · ih · tor · ee
- Strongest beat
- tair
- Ending
- ee
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on tair.
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Synonyms
Words like Territory
domainClose when territory means an area of control, activity, or knowledge.
jurisdictionClose when the emphasis is an area under a legal authority.
Antonym review
Does Territory have an opposite?
Territory has no general direct opposite. Unclaimed land and a neutral zone contrast with certain control senses but do not reverse its political, animal, business, or subject senses.
Synonym practice
Want to practice territory synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The back table became Leo's tiny fiefdom during the game," then compare close word choices. Practice territory synonyms.
Word family
Territory word family
Base word
territory
noun
territories
More than one controlled, political, animal, business, or subject area.
adjective
territorial
Relating to territory or strongly defending an area.
adverb
territorially
In a way connected with territory or territorial control.
noun
territoriality
The behaviour or condition of claiming and defending a territory.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Territory
Hint for students
Look for an area linked to control, government, an animal, a work assignment, or a field of knowledge and experience.
Common mix-up
Territory and province are not universal synonyms. Their legal meanings vary by country; in Canada, provinces have constitutionally recognized powers while territorial powers are delegated federally.
Try it in class or at home
Give students six context cards to sort into political, animal, business, and subject-area meanings. Students underline the clue that supports each choice and explain why region is sometimes too broad.
Teacher prompt
Compare “the bird’s territory,” “a Canadian territory,” and “new territory in science.” Ask students what is controlled, governed, or explored in each sentence.
Word Wheels
Practice Territory with a Word Wheel
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Word Wheel
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Word Wheel
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This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Territory and explore more word games
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Synonym Search
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