birthright

American  

[burth-rahyt] / ˈbɜrθˌraɪt /

noun

1. any right or privilege to which a person is entitled by birth.

   Democracy maintains that freedom is a birthright.

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birthright British  

/ ˈbɜːθˌraɪt /

noun

1. privileges or possessions that a person has or is believed to be entitled to as soon as he is born

2. the privileges or possessions of a first-born son

3. inheritance; patrimony

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Etymology

Origin of birthright

First recorded in 1525–35; birth + right

Example Sentences

There are second-graders in Bourne and the Berkshires who have no idea that late January football is their birthright, as predictable as Plum Island tide.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is no birthright to matter, and this is neither pragmatic nor moral.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Supreme Court didn’t issue an opinion on birthright citizenship.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ranchers like Kemp who support the laws say it is a birthright to brand cattle with their family crests.

From The Wall Street Journal

One exception to birthright citizenship covered by this line of rulings is the child of a foreign diplomat, whose parents represent the interests of another country.

From Salon