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

According to the producers, Casparina was in Beijing representing Indonesia at an international forum when her citizenship was revoked over her opposition to the new regime. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

The Ortiz family didn’t initially anticipate trouble in getting an immigrant visa for Ortiz Jara, a first step toward eventual citizenship. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

In civil denaturalization cases, the government generally must prove its case in federal court with clear, unequivocal and convincing evidence, a demanding standard that reflects the importance of citizenship and the consequences of revoking it. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

The images capture the extraordinary scope of Black efforts to educate themselves, build institutions and participate fully in citizenship after Emancipation. — Beandrea July, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see citizen

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing citizenship

• birthright 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