naturalization

Cultural  

1. The process by which a foreign citizen becomes a citizen of a new country. Millions of immigrants to the United States have become American citizens. Requirements for naturalization in the United States include residency for several years, ability to communicate in English, demonstrated knowledge of American history and government, and a dedication to American values that includes no membership in subversive organizations, such as the Communist party.

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Explanation

Use the noun naturalization to describe what happens when someone becomes a brand new citizen of a country. If you're born in one country but want to become a citizen of another, you'll have to go through the process of naturalization. There are certain rules and processes involved in naturalization, depending on the country, but you usually have to live there for a certain number of years and swear an oath of loyalty. When biologists use the word naturalization, they're talking about moving plants or animals to a new place where they can thrive.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

naturalization

Back then, the path to naturalization was far easier.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

English law had adopted a form of birthright citizenship—but, as Blackstone noted, not as a common-law matter but because naturalization “cannot be performed but by an act of parliament.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

“Of course, domicile was relevant to naturalization and expatriation. But that by no means suggests it was a prerequisite to national citizenship at birth,” Roberts wrote.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

Because even though their parents cannot gain citizenship because there are laws banning them from naturalization, we do mean the children.

From Slate ● Mar. 16, 2026

We were supposed to repeat the words of the naturalization oath as he said them, but his voice echoed off the walls incoherently.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi