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

Trump has also been pushing the GOP to pass the SAVE America Act, the voter ID and citizenship bill, which faces an uphill battle in the Senate. —Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026

Some had residency or citizenship in a third country and were transiting through Turkey. —Serra Yedikardes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

People of faith must speak clearly in defense of human dignity, immigrant families and equal citizenship. —Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

The bill requires potential voters to show proof of citizenship before registering, as well as photo identification when casting ballots. —Ray Lewis, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 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