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

Ball State is also innovating how to prepare students across Indiana for active citizenship after graduation. —Jamie Merisotis, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

According to the Daily Beast, citing a report from the Italian news agency Ansa, Kimmel obtained Italian citizenship this year after proving his ancestral lineage. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025

The executive order seeks to require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and all ballots be received by Election Day. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 13 Aug. 2025

While Kimmel has obtained Italian citizenship, Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen Degeneres have relocated to Ireland and England, respectively, in response to Trump’s presidency. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see citizen

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing 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