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

Or deporting people trying to do the right thing by showing up to the citizenship office. —Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 22 Nov. 2025

Those spoke to agreed that the mixed messaging from Washington — including a range of efforts by Republicans in Congress to end all immigration, amend visa programs, or create easier pathways to citizenship — is not helping anyone, including American citizens. —Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

Programs include citizenship application support, voter registration events, youth civic leadership workshops, and resource distribution tied to civic milestones. —Emily Bramhall, Miami Herald, 20 Nov. 2025

Among Democrats, 86% say the Constitution guarantees birthright citizenship compared to 53% of Republicans, according to The American Family Survey. —Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 20 Nov. 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