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

According to investigators, the plot was linked to Edgar Hakkopian, an Iranian businessman living in London, who was granted citizenship by the British government years before. — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026

Eligibility requirements are based on financial need, citizenship status and other factors, such as the size of your family. — Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026

The rule comes alongside months of gridlock for the SAVE America Act, the GOP's signature piece of election reform that would require photo ID and proof of citizenship to vote. — Nathan Lee, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Election integrity has become a key policy priority under Trump throughout the summer, as the president has repeatedly called for the passage of the SAVE America Act, which would require voters to provide proof of citizenship and a photo ID to vote. — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 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