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 case highlights a critical lesson for those seeking naturalization.
—Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
The article suggests that Chavez was granted citizenship, not because of his service to the nation as Evans has stated, but because a 1944 law made it so candidates for naturalization no longer had to show proof of lawful entry.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 31 July 2025
The course, which supports lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship, includes help with the 20-page naturalization application and preparation for the exam.
—Miami Herald, 28 July 2025
One exception is if the government was able to prove that citizenship was obtained through fraud in the case of naturalization.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalization
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Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
The article suggests that Chavez was granted citizenship, not because of his service to the nation as Evans has stated, but because a 1944 law made it so candidates for naturalization no longer had to show proof of lawful entry.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 31 July 2025
The course, which supports lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship, includes help with the 20-page naturalization application and preparation for the exam.
—Miami Herald, 28 July 2025
One exception is if the government was able to prove that citizenship was obtained through fraud in the case of naturalization.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 14 July 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 20 Aug. 2025.
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