What is sovereign? What is sovereign? One that exercises supreme, permanent authority, especially in a nation or other governmental unit, as:A king, queen, or other noble person who serves as chief of state; a ruler or monarch.A national governing council or committee. A nation that governs territory outside its borders.A gold coin formerly used in Great Britain.Self-governing; independent: a sovereign state. Having supreme rank or power: a sovereign prince. Paramount; supreme: Her sovereign virtue is compassion. Of superlative strength or efficacy: a sovereign remedy. Unmitigated: sovereign contempt.