territory

Territory is a plot of land controlled by a specific person, animal or country, or where a person has knowledge, rights or responsibilities.

(noun)

An example of territory is all the land controlled by a king.
An example of territory is a subject on which you have a lot of knowledge.
An example of territory is the area where you have been granted an exclusive license to sell a product.

See territory in Webster's New World College Dictionary

the land and waters under the jurisdiction of a nation, state, ruler, etc.
a part of a country or empire that does not have the full status of a principal division; specif.,
1. ☆ a part of the U.S. having its own legislature but without the status of a state and under the administration of an appointed governor
2. a similar region, as in Canada or Australia, without the status of a province or state
any large tract of land; region; district
☆ an assigned area, as of a traveling salesman or franchised dealer
any specified area or region: foul territory in a ballpark
a sphere or province of action, existence, thought, etc.
Ethology the particular area occupied by an animal or group of animals; esp., the specific area appropriated by an animal or pair of animals, usually for breeding, nesting, and foraging purposes, and forcibly defended against by any intruders
Football, Hockey, etc. that half of the playing area defended by a specified team

Origin: ME < L territorium < terra, terra

See territory in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ter·ri·to·ries

An area of land; a region.
The land and waters under the jurisdiction of a government.
a. A political subdivision of a country.
b. A geographic region, such as a colonial possession, that is dependent on an external government: the territories of the Holy Roman Empire.
often Territory
a. A subdivision of the United States that is not a state and is administered by an appointed or elected governor and elected legislature.
b. A similarly organized political subdivision of Canada or Australia.
An area for which a person is responsible as a representative or agent: a salesperson's territory.
Sports The area of a field defended by a specified team: punted the ball deep into the opponent's territory.
Biology An area occupied by a single animal, mating pair, or group and often vigorously defended against intruders, especially those of the same species.
A sphere of action or interest; a province. See Synonyms at field.