citizenship

[sit-uh-zuhn-ship, -suhn-]

noun

1. the state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a citizen.

2. the character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen.

   an award for good citizenship.

citizenship

/ ˈsɪtɪzənˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the condition or status of a citizen, with its rights and duties

2. a person's conduct as a citizen

   an award for good citizenship

Word History and Origins

Origin of citizenship¹

First recorded in 1605–15; citizen + -ship

Example Sentences

Both have higher burdens of proof than asylum but don’t provide a pathway to citizenship.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Police detained a 17-year-old teenage boy before releasing him the following day, and he will have to attend a course on citizenship.

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Like other civic duties, such as voting, verifying information before sharing can become a new norm for responsible citizenship.

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Congress granted U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans in 1924, but federal and local agencies have historically questioned Indigenous status, identity and documentation.

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Its name is associated with Thiel Capital, a California-based investment firm founded by the tech magnate, who himself was born in Germany and holds German citizenship.

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Related Words

• autonomy 
• democracy 
• emancipation 
• exemption 
• immunity 
• liberation 
• privilege 
• release 
• relief 
• self-determination 
• self-government 
• sovereignty