naturalization
noun
nat·u·ral·i·za·tion
ˌna-ch(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 
plural naturalizations
: the act or process of naturalizing : the state of being naturalized: such as
a
: the course of action undertaken to become a citizen of a country other than the country where one was born
I complete the application for naturalization, wondering whether I know enough American history and government, and whether I could be disqualified for not knowing all the unmemorable lines of Francis Scott Key's "Star Spangled Banner."—
Judy Ray
Judy Ray
b
of a non-native plant or animal
: the process of becoming or the state of being established in the wild so that growth and reproduction are possible without human intervention
This phenomenon follows the typical pattern of invading plant and animal species, the gradual process of naturalization by which ecological balance tends to reassert.—John Eastman
John EastmanExamples of naturalization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Five years after obtaining a green card, applicants may apply for naturalization.
—Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2026
The actor-filmmaker, his wife Amal and their kids Alexander and Ella were recently granted citizenship in France, per a naturalization decree obtained by the French newspaper Journal officiel and viewed by PEOPLE.
—Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Currently, says Wiesner-Smillie, the center has 122 volunteers but looking to add another 25 weekly tutors for its ESL program and for classes that prepare men and women for their naturalization tests.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
The president's remarks were initially sparked by Clooney and wife Amal's naturalization as French citizens.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for naturalization
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Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2026
The actor-filmmaker, his wife Amal and their kids Alexander and Ella were recently granted citizenship in France, per a naturalization decree obtained by the French newspaper Journal officiel and viewed by PEOPLE.
—Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Currently, says Wiesner-Smillie, the center has 122 volunteers but looking to add another 25 weekly tutors for its ESL program and for classes that prepare men and women for their naturalization tests.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
The president's remarks were initially sparked by Clooney and wife Amal's naturalization as French citizens.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for naturalization
Cite this Entry
“Naturalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalization. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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