Territory/ˈterətɔːri/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Political Control Use 'territory' to discuss land under the jurisdiction of political entities like countries. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. Pro Tip 2/3Geographical Boundaries 'Territory' often refers to geographical areas with defined borders. The territory boundary between the countries was contested. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Independent A territory may not have complete political independence or sovereignty. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark.