freedom of the city
Americannoun
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nominal citizenship in a city, conferred as an honor upon important visitors.
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(formerly) official citizenship in a city, conferred upon distinguished nonresidents.
Etymology
Origin of freedom of the city
First recorded in 1765–75
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He joined the original band members last June to receive the freedom of the city of Birmingham.
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026
Eddie Howe will be awarded the freedom of the city following Newcastle United's historic Carabao Cup win.
From BBC ● Mar. 18, 2025
Football manager Jurgen Klopp has vowed to defend Liverpool "forever" as he received the freedom of the city.
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2022
Derry City and Strabane District Council has voted unanimously to award Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee the freedom of the city.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2022
But," he added, "if we're on the right track, this time to-morrow night they'll probably be welcoming us home with brass bands and the freedom of the city.
From The Main Chance by Meredith Nicholson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
