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 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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Naturalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalization. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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