English Reference
Noun

statehood

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US /ˈsteɪtˌhʊd/ UK /stˈeɪthʊd/ state·hood UK spelling statehoods

n.the condition of being an independent country or an official part of a larger nation like the United States. It means having your own government and legal rights as a state.

n.the status of being a recognized independent nation or a constituent political unit of a federal union. Refers to the legal and political standing that confers sovereignty or specific constitutional rights.


SIMPLE

The territory is currently campaigning for full statehood.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of being a colony, the island finally achieved statehood and gained the right to vote in national elections.

COMPLEX

The transition to statehood required the drafting of a new constitution and the formal recognition of its borders by neighboring sovereign powers.

Usage

Typically used in political or legal contexts; often follows verbs like 'achieve', 'grant', or 'seek'.

Built in the 11th century, the building predates Moscow and is a symbol of Ukraine’s ancient statehood.

The Guardian· 24 Aug 2026

All taken together, it has led to fears from Palestinians in the West Bank and supporters of Palestinian statehood that the "facts on the ground" will render it unviable.

BBC News· 21 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated