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

Photographer William Meyers explores American citizenship, which is in better shape than many think. —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 26 Oct. 2024

Harris has endorsed a pathway to citizenship for some immigrants who lack legal status. —Ben Adler, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024

In August 2022, Milner officially denounced his Russian citizenship. —Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024

At the time, Whelan, who has citizenship in the U.S., Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom, was the global head of security for auto parts supplier BorgWarner. —Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see citizen

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing citizenship

• dual citizenship

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