What does principality mean?
A principality is a state, kingdom, or other territory ruled by a prince, and it can also refer historically to the lands belonging to a prince. The term is most closely associated with the Principality of Wales, whose ruler was known as the Prince of Wales and which retained a distinct identity within the Kingdom of England and later the United Kingdom. In more general historical usage, a principality could be a relatively small or politically independent territory under princely rule. Today, the word sounds formal and traditional, and it is not normally used for a modern administrative region unless that region has a distinctive constitutional status or a historical connection to princely rule. Its vocabulary heritage is visible in related words such as prince, princely, principal, and principle, all of which ultimately derive from the Latin word princeps, meaning “first” or “chief.”
A state or territory ruled by a prince, especially a small sovereign state with a princely ruler.
"The neighboring principality declared its independence after the treaty was signed."
Usually formal or historical; the term is especially associated with the Principality of Wales.
Historically, the domain, lands, or political jurisdiction belonging to a prince.
"The prince governed his principality from the northern castle."
This is a historical sense and is less common than the modern reference to a state ruled by a prince.
The plural is principalities, pronounced with stress on the penultimate syllable.
"Several principalities issued their own coins and maintained diplomatic missions."
Before it became a term for a sovereign state, “principality” simply meant the domain of a prince—an echo of the word’s roots in the Latin title princeps.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does principality come from?
The word principality derives from Medieval Latin principalitas, meaning “the office or territory of a prince” or “principality.” Latin principalitas was formed from princeps, meaning “first person” or “chief,” the source of English prince. The development of principality in English followed the political usage of the term for domains ruled by princes, especially in the historical Principality of Wales.
How principality is actually used
The word is relatively formal and historical in modern English. It is especially associated with the Principality of Wales and with small states ruled by princes, rather than with ordinary political subdivisions.