semicolonial

adjective

semi·​co·​lo·​nial ˌse-mē-kə-ˈlō-nyəl How to pronounce semicolonial (audio)
ˌse-ˌmī-,
-mi-,
-nē-əl
1
: nominally independent but actually under foreign domination
2
: dependent on foreign nations as suppliers of manufactured goods and as purchasers of raw materials
semicolonialism
ˌse-mē-kə-ˈlō-nyə-ˌli-zəm
ˌse-ˌmī-
-mi-
-nē-ə- How to pronounce semicolonial (audio)
noun

Examples of semicolonial 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.
Though Afghanistan was never formally colonized, Britain maintained a discreet semicolonial presence in the country that was continually resisted—the source of a series of Anglo-Afghan wars in the 19th and 20th centuries. Priya Satia, Time, 27 Apr. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of semicolonial was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near semicolonial

Cite this Entry

“Semicolonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semicolonial. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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