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.
Gathering the documents necessary to prove citizenship would be difficult for many would-be voters. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 The order directed his administration to create state-by-state citizenship lists and restrict Postal Service delivery of ballots. — Caitlin Babcock, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026 In addition to proof of citizenship, the new law requires a person to provide a physical address in South Dakota, other than a mail-forwarding service or post office box, to be registered for voting in state and local elections. — John Hult, States Newsroom, 28 Aug. 2026 In South Dakota on Tuesday, the League of Women Voters and a Sioux Falls voter filed a lawsuit over that state's new proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration. — CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 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 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about citizenship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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