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

“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.”

From 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.

From Salon

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

From Salon

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

From Salon

Its protections have since become the foundation for securing rights that a plurality of Americans took for granted until now, including gay marriage and birthright citizenship.

From Salon