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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of birthright

First recorded in 1525–35; birth + right

Example Sentences

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

It will be the second time the Supreme Court has considered litigation over the birthright citizenship order.

From The Wall Street Journal

They aren’t monarchs chosen by God or birthright, but fellow citizens elected to lead a nation designed around hard work, integrity, equality and meritocracy as the keys to prosperity.

From The Wall Street Journal

For Mr. Berry, you can come home again; indeed, the birthright of your ancestral tale means that you must.

From The Wall Street Journal