citizenship

[ sit-uh-zuhn-ship, -suhn- ]

noun

1. the state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a citizen.
2. the character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen:

   an award for good citizenship.

citizenship

/ ˈsɪtɪzənˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the condition or status of a citizen, with its rights and duties
2. a person's conduct as a citizen

   an award for good citizenship

Word History and Origins

Origin of citizenship¹

First recorded in 1605–15; citizen + -ship

Example Sentences

City employees may not seek or collect information about an individual’s citizenship or immigration status, unless the information is necessary to provide a city service.

From Los Angeles Times

The fact is that many Americans are more proud of and grateful for their citizenship than practically anything else.

From Salon

It has also pursued personnel strategies that “minimise domestic political impact”, such as offering bonuses to recruits who volunteer and enlisting foreigners with the promise of citizenship, says Mr Cancian from CSIS.

From BBC

A member of Trump’s first administration who publicly denounced him is applying for foreign citizenship and weighing whether to watch and wait or leave the country before the Jan. 20 inauguration.

From Salon

FAIR’s affiliate legal organization worked to draft a bill in Arizona that gave law enforcement the right to stop people for proof of citizenship.

From Salon

Related Words

• autonomy
• democracy
• emancipation
• exemption
• immunity
• liberation
• privilege
• release
• relief
• self-determination
• self-government
• sovereignty