birthright

noun

birth·​right ˈbərth-ˌrīt How to pronounce birthright (audio)
Synonyms of birthright
: a right, privilege, or possession to which a person is entitled by birth see also birthright citizenship

Examples of birthright in a Sentence

the freedom that is our birthright believed that the house was her birthright
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In recent years, writers, thinkers, and podcasters have advanced rival prescriptions for restoring the economic mobility that twentieth-century Americans came to see as their birthright. Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 The lies about your birthright, your faith, your patriotism. Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 18 June 2026 The amphitheater’s Morton Salt birthright has creative juices flowing. Lisa Gutierrez may 19, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026 For me, a Navy brat with a genetic tendency to wander, the road is less an escape and more a birthright. Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for birthright

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of birthright was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Birthright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/birthright. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

birthright

noun
birth·​right -ˌrīt How to pronounce birthright (audio)
: a right or possession that a person is entitled to by birth

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