citizenship

noun

cit·​i·​zen·​ship ˈsi-tə-zən-ˌship 

also -sən-

1

: the status of being a citizen

He was granted U.S. citizenship.

2

a

: membership in a community (such as a college)

b

: the quality of an individual's response to membership in a community

The students are learning the value of good citizenship.

Examples of citizenship in a Sentence

She applied for Polish citizenship.

He was granted U.S. citizenship.

The students are learning the value of good citizenship.

Recent Examples on the Web

The attestation covers missing domicile documents; the QVA covers missing proof of citizenship. — Zach Laird, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Here’s more on citizenship by investment and why interest from wealthy Californians continues to skyrocket. — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

Critics argue this directly defies the Court's judgment, as the 14th Amendment grants citizenship without parental conditions. — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Supporters of Proposition 39, which would add additional voter identification and citizenship requirements to state elections, accuse Attorney General Rob Bonta of not accurately describing the measure. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see citizen

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing citizenship

• birthright citizenship
• dual citizenship

Rhymes for citizenship

• apostleship
• apprenticeship
• assistantship
• championship
• chancellorship
• companionship
• copartnership
• dictatorship
• directorship
• discipleship
• editorship
• generalship

Kids Definition

citizenship

noun

cit·​i·​zen·​ship ˈsit-ə-zən-ship 

1

: possession of the rights and privileges of a citizen

2

: the quality of a person's response to membership in a community

Legal Definition

citizenship

noun

cit·​i·​zen·​ship

1

: the status of being a citizen

2

: the quality of an individual's behavior as a citizen

3

: domicile

—used especially in federal diversity cases see also diversity jurisdiction at jurisdiction