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

Debates over religious symbols, cultural integration, citizenship rules and immigration policy frequently polarize public opinion. — CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026

Sanders, in Jentleson’s telling, ran to Hillary Clinton’s right on immigration, opposing a path to citizenship for the undocumented and rejecting the idea of decriminalizing border crossings. — Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026

Prime Minister Netanyahu has threatened to pass a law that could revoke the citizenship of Abraham, Szor or anyone who allegedly defames Israeli soldiers. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, Israel’s culture minister Miki Zohar threatened to strip the filmmakers of their citizenship. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 Sep. 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