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 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
John EastmanExamples of naturalization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It was called the Chinese naturalization project.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026
Her government in January approved tougher rules on permanent residency and naturalization as well as measures to prevent unpaid tax and social insurance.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Her government in January approved tougher rules on permanent residency and naturalization as well as measures to prevent unpaid tax and social insurance.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Mahdawi, a lawful permanent resident, was arrested last April after his naturalization interview in Vermont and held in detention for more than two weeks.
—Cayla Bamberger, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for naturalization
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Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026
Her government in January approved tougher rules on permanent residency and naturalization as well as measures to prevent unpaid tax and social insurance.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Her government in January approved tougher rules on permanent residency and naturalization as well as measures to prevent unpaid tax and social insurance.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Mahdawi, a lawful permanent resident, was arrested last April after his naturalization interview in Vermont and held in detention for more than two weeks.
—Cayla Bamberger, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for naturalization
Cite this Entry
“Naturalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalization. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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