nationwide

1 of 2

adjective

na·​tion·​wide ˌnā-shən-ˈwīd How to pronounce nationwide (audio)
Synonyms of nationwidenext
: extending throughout a nation

nationwide

2 of 2

adverb

: throughout the nation

Examples of nationwide in a Sentence

Adjective The murders attracted nationwide attention.
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.
Adjective
In 2026 America, the biggest nationwide retailers deliver economies of scale that keep prices low for millions and force competitors to work to do the same. Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 In April of last year, the Supreme Court ruled that the habeas corpus petitions required in such cases can only be filed individually, rather than in groups as part of a nationwide class action. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Adverb
Kalshi earlier this week said that its investigations team found three political candidates nationwide had used the platform to place a bet on their own race, which is against company rules. Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026 Since then it’s been preparing to reconfigure 98 stores nationwide with the popular housewares products. Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nationwide

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1891, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nationwide was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nationwide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nationwide. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

nationwide

adjective
na·​tion·​wide
ˌnā-shən-ˈwīd
: extending throughout a nation
nationwide phone service

More from Merriam-Webster on nationwide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster