citizenship

noun

cit·​i·​zen·​ship ˈsi-tə-zən-ˌship 

also -sən-

1

: the status of being a citizen

He was granted U.S. citizenship.

2

a

: membership in a community (such as a college)

b

: the quality of an individual's response to membership in a community

The students are learning the value of good citizenship.

Examples of citizenship in a Sentence

She applied for Polish citizenship.

He was granted U.S. citizenship.

The students are learning the value of good citizenship.

Recent Examples on the Web

Australian Mitchell Bowden, 36, has been dreaming of citizenship as a way to honor his grandmother. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

The first series explored America’s Sam Sally, a mother who entered ISIS territory with her husband and children, and the second Shamima Begum, who joined ISIS as a teenager before trying to regain her British citizenship. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026

Now, a person who's not in removal proceedings can actively apply for asylum directly with the citizenship and immigration services, and that's USCIS. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Good and affordable, plus Medicare option The big news here is that Canada late last year dramatically expanded its laws allowing descendants of citizens to gain citizenship (and therefore the right to move to and live in Canada). — William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see citizen

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing citizenship

• birthright citizenship
• dual citizenship

Rhymes for citizenship

• apostleship
• apprenticeship
• assistantship
• championship
• chancellorship
• companionship
• copartnership
• dictatorship
• directorship
• discipleship
• editorship
• generalship

Kids Definition

citizenship

noun

cit·​i·​zen·​ship ˈsit-ə-zən-ship 

1

: possession of the rights and privileges of a citizen

2

: the quality of a person's response to membership in a community

Legal Definition

citizenship

noun

cit·​i·​zen·​ship

1

: the status of being a citizen

2

: the quality of an individual's behavior as a citizen

3

: domicile

—used especially in federal diversity cases see also diversity jurisdiction at jurisdiction