national

Etymology

From Middle French national, corresponding to nation + -al.

adj

1. Pertaining to a nation or country, especially as a whole; affecting, shared by, or existing throughout all of a nation.
   a national assembly · on the front page of every national newspaper
   Import tariffs were raised for the national interest.
2. Belonging to or characteristic of a specific nation or country, as opposed to others.
   this is their national dish · our national tendency to laugh at the French
3. (now rare) Nationalistic; patriotic.
   ‘Come, come, don't deny it: they are really national. Why, now, the Adams are as liberal-minded men as any in the world: but, I don't know how it is, all their workmen are Scotch.’ 1791, James Boswell, Life of Johnson, Oxford, published 2008, page 599

noun

1. A subject of a nation.
   The diplomats were advised not to interact with any foreign nationals except on official duty.
2. (usually in the plural) A tournament in which participants from all over the nation compete.
   After winning the regional tournament, the team advanced to the nationals.
3. (usually in the plural, journalism) A national newspaper.
   I had a crush on Bardot / Fell in love with Monroe / Read about 'em in the nationals / All the juicy little scandals 1978, “Blondes (Have More Fun)”, performed by Rod Stewart