birthright

[burth-rahyt]

noun

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

   Democracy maintains that freedom is a birthright.

birthright

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of birthright¹

First recorded in 1525–35; birth + right

Example Sentences

Ironically, equal birthright citizenship has recently come under attack by those who say they aim to “Make America Great Again.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“In the next year, we will likely see decisions about tariffs, birthright citizenship, alien enemies and perhaps more, and we’ll know a lot more.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A clear example of this regressive vision is the administration’s push to rewrite the 14th Amendment in their efforts to eliminate birthright citizenship and undermine equal protection under the law.

Read more on Salon

If the Supreme Court rules against birthright citizenship, the automatic right to U.S. citizenship for children born on American soil would end.

Read more on Salon

Many places in Spain claim the dish, but Catalonia holds it like a birthright.

Read more on Salon