citizenship

noun

cit·​i·​zen·​ship ˈsi-tə-zən-ˌship How to pronounce citizenship (audio)
 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Election order President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday that directs the Election Assistance Commission to demand proof of citizenship for voter registration — and withhold funding from states that don’t enforce the requirement for voters who register with the federal form. — Jade Walker, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025 The answer is: Yes, CBP officers can search the mobile phones of all travelers regardless of citizenship, as stated on their website. — Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Trump is also fighting the concept of birthright citizenship in court, which is generally understood to be contained within the text of the 14th Amendment. — Haisten Willis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Mar. 2025 President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to require proof of citizenship to vote and to prohibit ballot counting after Election Day. — Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for citizenship

Word History

Etymology

see citizen

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of citizenship was in 1611

Phrases Containing citizenship

Rhymes for citizenship

See All Rhymes for citizenship

Browse Nearby Words

citizens band
citizenship
Citlaltépetl
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Citizenship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citizenship. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

citizenship

noun
cit·​i·​zen·​ship ˈsit-ə-zən-ship How to pronounce citizenship (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on citizenship

Nglish: Translation of citizenship for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about citizenship

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