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

This is his way of conveying his gratitude for staying in Australia, for being granted citizenship. —Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 15 Dec. 2025

Lai acquired British citizenship before Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2025

The directive has affected immigrants in Arizona from many of those countries, including some who have had their citizenship oath ceremonies canceled at the last minute, according to immigration lawyers and the leaders of nonprofit groups. —Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 13 Dec. 2025

The program will fast-track residency and citizenship for wealthy immigrants. —Selina Wang, ABC News, 12 Dec. 2025

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