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

On top of that, Republicans opened up temporary community centers that taught residents English and helped with citizenship applications, said Eric Holguin, the Texas state director for UnidosUS who is based in the Rio Grande Valley. —Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 1 Dec. 2024

Certain internal-to-the-company initiatives can also be seen as consistent with corporate citizenship objectives. —Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

Many are on work visas who work high-paying jobs, pay taxes, and own homes, yet still lack a path to citizenship. —Basel Touchan, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024

Before, citizenship had been a privilege parceled out by the empire’s ruling Italian elite for good behavior, army service, and/or monetary contributions to the glory of Rome. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 22 Nov. 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