territorial waters

Definitions

A country's inland lakes and waterways as well as the portion of its coastal oceans, seas, or other adjoining bodies of water considered to fall within the political boundaries and legal jurisdiction of that country.

plural, plural-only

Equivalents

Examples

“Her Majesty's Government do not interpret⟳ these expressions in any sense⟳ derogatory to the sovereign authority of Great Britain in the territorial waters of Newfoundland.”

“You are not merely within territorial waters, but you have⟳ invaded a national port.”

“According to the South Korean joint chiefs of staff, a North Korean gunboat ventured about a mile into what Seoul claims is its territorial waters.”

CEFR level