birthright

noun

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

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.
Harry has repeatedly voiced his desire to have his children know the family of his birthright and country, to know their heritage. Emily Trainham , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Women, especially, weren’t taught that pleasure is your birthright and how to explore it in a curious and safe way. Essence, 11 Sep. 2025 And the trickster god Elegba, Orisha of the crossroads, stands between them, a wily ex-con buddy of Oshoosi’s — not bad, not good, a Mephistophelean drifter who secretly longs for the fraternal intimacy that is his friend’s by birthright. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025 Barrett has sided with the conservative majority in many cases, bolstering national gun rights, ending affirmative action, and limiting the ability of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions in a more recent birthright citizenship decision. Solcyré Burga, Time, 2 Sep. 2025 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 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

birthright

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

More from Merriam-Webster on birthright

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!