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
Mahdawi, who was detained in April after completing his naturalization interview, had been outspoken on the Columbia University campus in opposition to the war in Gaza.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
The fund helps immigrants with basic processes like naturalization applications and work authorization filings but may also be used for legal defense during deportation proceedings.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025
Mahdawi was taken into custody during his naturalization interview.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 24 Sep. 2025
David Ryder/Getty Images Although immigrants applying for citizenship have often been through rigorous vetting before, for visas and green cards, the new test forms part of a wider set of adjustments being made by USCIS to the naturalization process.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalization
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Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
The fund helps immigrants with basic processes like naturalization applications and work authorization filings but may also be used for legal defense during deportation proceedings.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025
Mahdawi was taken into custody during his naturalization interview.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 24 Sep. 2025
David Ryder/Getty Images Although immigrants applying for citizenship have often been through rigorous vetting before, for visas and green cards, the new test forms part of a wider set of adjustments being made by USCIS to the naturalization process.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 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 7 Oct. 2025.
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