naturalization

noun

nat·​u·​ral·​i·​za·​tion ˌna-ch(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce naturalization (audio)
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
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

Examples of naturalization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The federal agency responsible for administering the nation's immigration and naturalization system will now have enforcement agents for the first time. Luke Barr, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2025 With a capacity of 975, a movie screen and a stage, over the years the building has been used as a movie theater, a concert venue, and for film festivals, stand-up shows, parties, graduations, naturalization ceremonies and weddings. Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Foreign nationals could face having their visas, residency permits, naturalization proceedings and other immigration benefits revoked, according to the order. Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 26 Aug. 2025 There will also be a naturalization ceremony pronouncing more than 300 people in Louisville as new citizens. Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for naturalization

Word History

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of naturalization was in 1558

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Cite this Entry

“Naturalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalization. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

naturalization

noun
nat·​u·​ral·​i·​za·​tion
ˌnach-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən
: the act or process of naturalizing : the state of being naturalized

More from Merriam-Webster on naturalization

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