freedom of the city

noun

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

2. (formerly) official citizenship in a city, conferred upon distinguished nonresidents.

Word History and Origins

Origin of freedom of the city¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

He was awarded the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in 2010.

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In July, Mr Coyle was granted Freedom of the City of Hull in recognition of his charitable initiatives aimed at tackling child poverty and youth violence.

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Osbourne and his fellow Black Sabbath band members Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler were given the Freedom of the City in June, before the farewell gig.

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Birmingham City University, which posted images on X from June at the Freedom of the City event in recognition of Black Sabbath's connection to Birmingham, said he was a "Brummie legend".

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Actors Cate Blanchett and Adrian Dunbar will receive the Freedom of the City of London for their work in the arts.

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