citizenship

noun

cit·​i·​zen·​ship ˈsi-tə-zən-ˌship How to pronounce citizenship (audio)
 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
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.
And earlier this week, Italy enacted a law that removes the route to citizenship through great-grandparents. Olesya Dmitracova, CNN Money, 23 May 2025 So in early May the Berkeley IGS Poll asked survey respondents again about their support for a path to citizenship. G. Cristina Mora, Mercury News, 22 May 2025 The birthright citizenship case is at the opposite extreme. Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 21 May 2025 Last week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship. Michael Luo, New Yorker, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for citizenship

Word History

Etymology

see citizen

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of citizenship was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Citizenship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citizenship. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

citizenship

noun
cit·​i·​zen·​ship ˈsit-ə-zən-ship How to pronounce citizenship (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on citizenship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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