WordGarden.ionationwide
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈeɪʃənwˌaɪd/
US
- /ˈneɪʃənˈwaɪd/
Meanings
Adjective
extending across or involving an entire country
Adverb
throughout an entire country
Beyond the definition
Imagine a popular new toy spreading across a whole country. If it's selling nationwide, that means stores in one part of the country are stocking it just like stores far away in another part, and everywhere in between. It describes something happening or existing in all parts of a country, not just one city or region. A nationwide campaign for a political candidate tries to reach voters across the country. You might also hear about a nationwide shortage of a certain product, meaning it's hard to find anywhere in the country. Think big, on a country-wide scale.
"Nationwide" describes something that extends across an entire nation or country. It implies coverage, impact, or operation on a broad, national scale. It's more than just happening in several places; it suggests a comprehensive reach throughout all regions of the country.
You'll often encounter "nationwide" when discussing things like businesses: "The grocery store chain has nationwide delivery," meaning they ship to every state. Or with events: "A nationwide protest erupted after the announcement." It's also common in describing statistics or trends: "Unemployment rates are rising nationwide."
Sometimes, it's used to emphasize a sense of unity or shared experience. For example, "The tragedy brought the nation together in nationwide mourning." However, it can also highlight disparities: "There is a nationwide debate about healthcare access."
Unlike words like "local" or "regional," nationwide doesn't focus on specific areas; it emphasizes the entirety of the country. It's a powerful word that suggests something significant happening on a grand scale—impacting people and places from one side of the nation to the other.
Examples
- 1
Delivery
The company offers free delivery nationwide.
- 2
Police search
Police began a nationwide search for the missing child.
- 3
Policy
The new rule will apply nationwide from next month.
- 4
Survey
A nationwide survey found that many people are worried about housing costs.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public protest
What started as a local protest soon spread nationwide.
- 6
Transport disruption
The storm caused nationwide delays in train and bus services.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- coast-to-coast
- across the country
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- nationwide survey
- nationwide campaign
- nationwide network
- available nationwide
Word family
- nation
- -wide
Explore
- geographic scope
- jurisdiction
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- nationwideadjectiveadverb