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

The Fourteenth Amendment established birthright citizenship, including the formerly enslaved as full members of the American nation.

From Time

With a sallow complexion that accentuates his sunken eyes and a pursed-lips grimace that is his sole expression, Pattinson’s Wayne cares little for the day-to-day duties demanded of him by his birthright.

From The Daily Beast

It’s time we offer a birthright to capital that gives everyone the chance to build assets.

From Time

I think of my birthright as the basis of my liberty to control my body, and put what I want in my body as long as I’m not interfering with other people’s ability to do the same.

From Nautilus

We have those birthrights as long as we don’t prevent others from pursuing their rights.

From Nautilus

Anthony Goldstein probably chose a trip to the Quidditch World Cup over his Birthright trip to Israel.

From The Daily Beast

Canada and the United States are the only industrialized countries that retain birthright citizenship.

From The Daily Beast

I cannot sell my birthright, nor am I prepared to sell the birthright of the people to be free.

From The Daily Beast

Beinart also mischaracterizes what I say about Birthright and other organized trips to Israel.

From The Daily Beast

I note that the situation is not as simple as he believes and that Birthright trips avoid settlements too.

From The Daily Beast

Jacob robbed his brother of his birthright by trading on his hunger; Joseph robbed a whole people in the same way.

From Project Gutenberg

I can't tell you how I have longed for a girl's good time here in San Francisco—denied all these years, and my birthright.

From Project Gutenberg

And her love was not only for those who could claim it as a birthright, but to all who came to Canada in quest of freedom.

From Project Gutenberg

Why should they use the powers that were their inalienable birthright to make true believers obey a Christian dog?

From Project Gutenberg

The Constitution and its guarantees are our birthright, and I am ready to enforce that inalienable right to the last extent.

From Project Gutenberg