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

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 are 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

Parents of service members can potentially gain citizenship or legal status through programs that provide temporary deportation relief or expedited naturalization options. —Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 31 Jan. 2026

In 2024, the forward completed his naturalization process and became eligible to represent the Mexican national team. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026

Documents like a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate can serve as proof of citizenship. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2026

And, fifth, begin to plan for the dismantling of ICE and the reorganization of an effective, humane, and meaningful new immigration and naturalization agency. —Michael Gecan, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for naturalization

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

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