naturalization
noun
nat·u·ral·i·za·tion
ˌna-ch(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 
plural naturalizations
: the act or process of naturalizing : the state of being naturalized: such as
a
: the course of action undertaken to become a citizen of a country other than the country where one was born
I complete the application for naturalization, wondering whether I know enough American history and government, and whether I could be disqualified for not knowing all the unmemorable lines of Francis Scott Key's "Star Spangled Banner."—
Judy Ray
Judy Ray
b
of a non-native plant or animal
: the process of becoming or the state of being established in the wild so that growth and reproduction is possible without human intervention
This phenomenon follows the typical pattern of invading plant and animal species, the gradual process of naturalization by which ecological balance tends to reassert.—John Eastman
John EastmanExamples of naturalization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Citizenship can only be revoked if it was obtained illegally in the first place or if the individual lied about or concealed a material fact during the naturalization process.
—Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 15 July 2025
Where are the July 4 naturalization ceremonies in Arizona?
—Laura Gersony, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025
Under the act, the name on your passport or photo ID would need to match the name on your birth certificate or naturalization card, which could pose a challenge for married women who have changed their last name.
—Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
If a person who went through the naturalization process is found to have committed fraud or misrepresentation during the process, they could potentially be denaturalized.
—Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalization
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Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 15 July 2025
Where are the July 4 naturalization ceremonies in Arizona?
—Laura Gersony, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025
Under the act, the name on your passport or photo ID would need to match the name on your birth certificate or naturalization card, which could pose a challenge for married women who have changed their last name.
—Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
If a person who went through the naturalization process is found to have committed fraud or misrepresentation during the process, they could potentially be denaturalized.
—Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalization
Cite this Entry
“Naturalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalization. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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