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.
Senate Republicans may need Vice President JD Vance’s vote to get their voter ID and citizenship requirement bill on the Senate floor on Tuesday. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 17 Mar. 2026 The bill, which requires national voter ID and proof of citizenship when registering to vote, is broadly supported by Republicans and passed the House in February with zero defections. David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026 The hubs offer support beyond traditional K-12 education, such as GED classes, workshops, and citizenship classes. Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026 Continue reading … POLITICS POLICY PUSH — DHS official calls citizenship test 'too soft' as terror attacks renew vetting scrutiny. FOXNews.com, 16 Mar. 2026 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 18 Mar. 2026.

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

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