noun
citizen
A legally recognized member of a country, or a resident of a community.
She becomes a citizen of the country after completing the naturalization process.
Etymology
Old French citeien named someone belonging to a city. English extended that civic membership from a town to the political community of a country.
More examples
- Local citizens gather to discuss the proposed park.
- He is a citizen of two countries.
- The town honors a citizen who has served the community for decades.
Forms
citizen · citizens
Similar words
- resident
- A resident lives in a place; a citizen may additionally hold formal national membership and rights.