First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
citizen
noun cit·i·zen \ˈsi-tə-zən also -sən\
: a person who legally belongs to a country and has the rights and protection of that country
: a person who lives in a particular place
Full Definition of CITIZEN
1
: an inhabitant of a city or town; especially : one entitled to the rights and privileges of a freeman
2
a : a member of a state b : a native or naturalized person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to protection from it
3
: a civilian as distinguished from a specialized servant of the state
— cit·i·zen·ly \-zən-lē also -sən-\ adjective
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Origin of CITIZEN
Middle English citizein, from Anglo-French citezein, alteration of citeien, from cité city
Related to CITIZEN
- Antonyms
- alien, noncitizen
Synonym Discussion of CITIZEN
citizen, subject, national mean a person owing allegiance to and entitled to the protection of a sovereign state. citizen is preferred for one owing allegiance to a state in which sovereign power is retained by the people and sharing in the political rights of those people <the rights of a free citizen>. subject implies allegiance to a personal sovereign such as a monarch <the king's subjects>. national designates one who may claim the protection of a state and applies especially to one living or traveling outside that state <American nationals working in the Middle East>.
Other Government and Politics Terms
CITIZEN Defined for Kids
citizen
noun cit·i·zen \ˈsi-tə-zən\
Definition of CITIZEN for Kids
1
: a person who lives in a particular place <the citizens of Boston>
2
: a person who legally belongs to, gives allegiance to, and has the rights and protections of a country
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