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Dictionary Language resources

citizen

Syllabification: (cit·i·zen)

Pronunciation: /ˈsitizən, -sən/

(abbreviation: cit.)

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Definition of citizen

noun

a legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth, either native or naturalized:a Polish citizen the rights of every citizen
an inhabitant of a particular town or city:the citizens of Los Angeles

Phrases

citizen of the world: a person who is at home in any country.

Derivatives

citizenry
citizenship

Origin:

Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French citezein, alteration (probably influenced by deinzein 'denizen') of Old French citeain, based on Latin civitas 'city' (see city)