What does nationality mean?
Nationality is a noun meaning a person’s connection to a particular nation. In legal and administrative contexts, it usually refers to citizenship: the status of being recognized under the authority of a country, with the associated rights, duties, and identity documents. In everyday and cultural contexts, nationality can also describe a person’s country of origin, national allegiance, or broader sense of belonging to a people. The word is related to nation but is not identical to it: a nation is a political or cultural community, while nationality describes the connection of an individual or group to such a community. Nationality should also be distinguished from ethnicity, which focuses on shared cultural, ancestral, or social traditions and need not correspond to citizenship. Because it can concern both legal status and cultural identity, nationality is a useful word for discussing migration, identity, belonging, and the relationship between individuals and states.
nounThe status of being a citizen of a particular country, or the national and cultural identity associated with belonging to a particular nation. The term can also refer to a person’s country of origin or the broader national group with which a person identifies.
- The status of being a citizen or legally recognized member of a particular country.
- A person’s ethnic, cultural, or national identity and the country or people with which they associate.
"She holds dual nationality and lives between London and Toronto."
"Passengers must declare their nationality when completing the immigration form."
"The exhibition explores how literature can express a strong sense of nationality without turning into nationalism."
The standard plural is used when referring to different people’s nationalities or to multiple forms of national affiliation.
"The survey compares nationalities, migration histories, and levels of social integration."
Nationality literally began with the idea of birth: the Latin natio meant a people or place of origin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nationality come from?
The English word was borrowed during the early modern period from French nationalite, which was derived from Latin nationalis, “of or belonging to a nation.” Its deeper root is Latin natio, meaning “birth,” “origin,” or “people,” from the verb nasci, “to be born.” Related English words include nation, native, natural, and nativity; the shared root reflects the original emphasis on birthplace and origin.
How nationality is actually used
Nationality is common in formal, legal, administrative, and everyday contexts. It may refer narrowly to citizenship or more broadly to national and cultural identity, so the intended sense often depends on context. It is distinct from ethnicity, which concerns shared cultural, ancestral, or social characteristics rather than membership in a nation.
Easily confused with nationality
Nationality can refer to a person’s legal status, ethnic or cultural identity, or country of origin, whereas citizenship specifically refers to the legal rights and obligations associated with being a citizen.