citizen

[ sit-uh-zuhn, -suhn ]

noun

1. a native or naturalized member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection ( alien ).
2. an inhabitant of a city or town, especially one entitled to its privileges or franchises.
3. an inhabitant, or denizen:

   The deer is a citizen of our woods.

4. a civilian, as distinguished from a soldier, police officer, etc.

citizen

/ ˈsɪtɪzən; -ˌnɛs; ˈsɪtɪzənɪs /

noun

1. a native registered or naturalized member of a state, nation, or other political community Compare alien
2. an inhabitant of a city or town
3. a native or inhabitant of any place
4. a civilian, as opposed to a soldier, public official, etc

Derived Forms

• citizeness, noun:feminine
• ˈcitizenly, adjective

Other Words From

• citi·zen·ly adjective
• non·citi·zen noun
• un·citi·zen·ly adjective
• under·citi·zen noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of citizen¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English citisein, from Anglo-French citesein, Old French citeain, from cite city + -ain -an; change from citeain to citesein perhaps by association with Anglo-French denzain denizen

Word History and Origins

Origin of citizen¹

C14: from Anglo-French citesein, from Old French citeien, from cité, city

Example Sentences

A National Institute of Justice study suggests that undocumented migrants in the US are arrested for violent and drug crimes at less than half the rate of native-born citizens.

From BBC

The problem is not isolated to Scotland, which along with England and Wales has a higher proportion of citizens in prison than most other countries in Europe.

From BBC

Unlike U.S. citizens or green card holders, undocumented farmworkers do not qualify for federal unemployment or disaster benefits.

From Los Angeles Times

"The US embassy recommends US citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced."

From BBC

And citizens need to hold politicians accountable and courts have to pass decisive orders months before the pollution worsens.

From BBC

Related Words

• inhabitant
• national
• resident
• taxpayer