birthright

American  

[burth-rahyt] / ˈbɜrθˌraɪt /

noun

birthrights plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• birthrights
  plural

Etymology

Origin of birthright

First recorded in 1525–35; birth + right

Example Sentences

Being born in Brooklyn meant Balogun was automatically granted US citizenship under the country's birthright citizenship laws - based on the 14th amendment to the US Constitution.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Even though Balogun grew up in London from the age of one month, he qualified for birthright citizenship.

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

Mark Joseph Stern: This is one reason why, if the justices do strike down his attack on birthright citizenship, nobody should say: “Look, they’re putting Trump in his place! He’s really not a king!”

From Slate • Jun. 1, 2026

For too long, U.S. air dominance has been taken for granted—but it isn’t an American birthright.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

If ever he went back to Westeros to claim his birthright, he would have all the gold of easterly Rock to make good on his promises.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin