Extending throughout an entire country; occurring or existing across all parts of a nation.
Compound word combining 'nation' (from Latin 'natio' meaning birth or people) and 'wide' (from Old English 'wid'). The term gained popularity in the 20th century with mass media and national corporations.
The concept of 'nationwide' is relatively modern, emerging as countries developed better communication and transportation networks. Before radio and television, truly nationwide events were rare except for wars or major disasters.
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