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

While the high court has yet to issue a ruling in the birthright citizenship case argued earlier this year, a case confronting the core legal issue may arise in the future. —Jacob Turcotte, Christian Science Monitor, 17 June 2025

Javed worked in hotel management in London and held British citizenship. —Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 13 June 2025

The path to citizenship requirements for card buyers are unclear and White House officials have said more details will be provided soon. —Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 13 June 2025

Like the green card, the new card could help holders achieve citizenship, Mr. Trump said at the time. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 12 June 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