freedom of the city

American

noun

nominal citizenship in a city, conferred as an honor upon important visitors.
(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.

His award comes after the four members of Sabbath - Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Terence "Geezer" Butler and Bill Ward - were given the freedom of the city of Birmingham, back in June.

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

The pair were also honoured by Wrexham council with the freedom of the city in 2022.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2024

Labour's Dame Margaret is in her 40th year as MP for Derby South and could receive the freedom of the city before she steps down as an MP at the next General Election.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2023

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

On arriving at New-York he was welcomed by a most enthusiastic public reception, and was presented by the corporation of New-York with the freedom of the city in a gold box.

From Homes of American Statesmen With Anecdotical, Personal, and Descriptive Sketches by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023