naturalization
noun
nat·u·ral·i·za·tion
ˌna-ch(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 
plural naturalizations
: the act or process of naturalizing : the state of being naturalized: such as
a
: the course of action undertaken to become a citizen of a country other than the country where one was born
I complete the application for naturalization, wondering whether I know enough American history and government, and whether I could be disqualified for not knowing all the unmemorable lines of Francis Scott Key's "Star Spangled Banner."—
Judy Ray
Judy Ray
b
of a non-native plant or animal
: the process of becoming or the state of being established in the wild so that growth and reproduction is possible without human intervention
This phenomenon follows the typical pattern of invading plant and animal species, the gradual process of naturalization by which ecological balance tends to reassert.—John Eastman
John EastmanExamples of naturalization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The government must meet a high burden of proof even for the charge of immigration or naturalization fraud to stand.
—Dan Gooding
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
The Council on Foreign Relations describes naturalization as a process where a non-U.S. citizen can apply for citizenship after meeting specific requirements, such as passing a civics test, demonstrating basic English proficiency and living in the States over a continuous period of time.
—Sara Chernikoff, USA Today, 28 June 2025
His most recent naturalization application was denied in 2022, and subsequent legal challenges were unsuccessful.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 23 June 2025
It will be played at naturalization ceremonies across the country.
—Daniel Shoer Roth, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalization
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Dan Gooding
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
The Council on Foreign Relations describes naturalization as a process where a non-U.S. citizen can apply for citizenship after meeting specific requirements, such as passing a civics test, demonstrating basic English proficiency and living in the States over a continuous period of time.
—Sara Chernikoff, USA Today, 28 June 2025
His most recent naturalization application was denied in 2022, and subsequent legal challenges were unsuccessful.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 23 June 2025
It will be played at naturalization ceremonies across the country.
—Daniel Shoer Roth, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalization
Cite this Entry
“Naturalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalization. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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