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

Leo, who has Peruvian citizenship, described himself in the interview as an American who still loves Peru. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025

Programs in Portugal, Greece, Malta, the Caribbean and, most recently, New Zealand offer Americans a mix of real estate or fund investments with a pathway to residency or even citizenship. —Jaime Catmull, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Additionally, the Reich Citizenship Law stripped Jews of German citizenship, solidifying their exclusion from the nation’s civic life. —Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 15 Sep. 2025

The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for additional information about Denis' citizenship status and identity. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see citizen

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing 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