Citizen
/ˈsɪtɪzən/
Definitions
A legally recognized inhabitant of a country or state, with associated rights and responsibilities.
/ˈsɪtɪzən/
A legal member of a nation, state, or community.
He is a proud citizen of Canada.
💡 Simply: A citizen is like a member of a club – a country club! You live there, follow the rules, and get certain perks.
👶 For kids: Someone who lives in a country and follows its rules.
More Examples
Citizens protested against the new law.
How It's Used
"Every citizen has the right to vote."
"She became a citizen of the United States."
Idioms & expressions
model citizen
A person who exemplifies good citizenship and follows laws and social norms.
"He was considered a model citizen, always volunteering and helping others."
From Old French *citeain, from Latin civis "citizen, inhabitant of a city".
The word's usage has broadened from solely referring to city dwellers to encompassing all members of a nation-state.
Memory tip
Think 'city' - citizens live in cities and are part of a community.
Word Origin
"inhabitant of a city"