denizen

[ den-uh-zuhn ]

noun

1. an inhabitant; resident.
2. a person who regularly frequents a place; habitué:

   the denizens of a local bar.

3. anything adapted to a new place, condition, etc., such as an animal or plant not indigenous to a place but successfully naturalized.
4. British Law. an alien admitted to residence and to certain rights of citizenship in a country: this legal designation has been obsolete since the first half of the 20th century.

verb (used with object)

1. Chiefly British. to admit (an alien) to residence and certain rights of citizenship in a country.

denizen

/ ˈdɛnɪzən /

noun

1. an inhabitant; occupant; resident
2. an individual permanently resident in a foreign country where he enjoys certain rights of citizenship
3. a plant or animal established in a place to which it is not native
4. a naturalized foreign word

verb

1. tr to make a denizen

Other Words From

• den·i·za·tion [den-, uh, -, zey, -sh, uh, n], den·i·zen·a·tion [den-, uh, -z, uh, -, ney, -sh, uh, n], noun
• den·i·zen·ship noun
• un·den·i·zened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of denizen¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English denesyn, denisein, from Anglo-French denzein, denszein “(the) one within,” from deinz, dens, denz “inside, on the inside” (from Old French dedens, dedenz; dedans ) + -ein, adjective suffix (from Latin -āneus; -an, -eous ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of denizen¹

C15: from Anglo-French denisein, from Old French denzein, from denz within, from Latin de intus from within

Example Sentences

The lawsuits seek recoveries from charities, conservative and progressive PACs, investors in FTX big and small, and other denizens of the crypto community.

From Los Angeles Times

I'm a lifelong denizen of several campuses, and I never felt comfortable hearing how ready these folks seemed with a diagnosis of life at American universities.

From Salon

A ubiquitous pizza box features two mismatched chefs and an odd culinary command — “Enjoy your delicious moments!” — puzzling internet denizens for years.

From Los Angeles Times

Internet denizens have long been captivated by the box, which can be found at pizzerias across the West, including many in the L.A. area.

From Los Angeles Times

Although he may delight in regaling his fellow denizens with tales of his days at sea, Thorfinn’s tough exterior belies his innate affection and desire for human connection.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dweller
• inhabitant
• occupant
• resident