birthright: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “birthright” mean?
A right, privilege, or possession to which a person is entitled by birth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A right, privilege, or possession to which a person is entitled by birth.
An inherent or natural right considered fundamental and undeniable, often associated with inheritance, citizenship, or human dignity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. The term is equally used in legal, political, and literary contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotations are identical: inheritance, legitimacy, natural entitlement.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in political discourse (e.g., 'American birthright').
Grammar
How to Use “birthright” in a Sentence
to have a birthright to [NOUN]to claim one's birthright as [NOUN]to forfeit/sell one's birthright for [NOUN/PHRASE][POSSESSIVE] birthright is to [VERB]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “birthright” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The birthright citizenship rule was debated.
- He investigated his birthright claim.
American English
- Birthright citizenship is enshrined in the 14th Amendment.
- She pursued a birthright case.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions of family business succession.
Academic
Common in political philosophy, law (citizenship law), sociology, and literature.
Everyday
Used in discussions of family inheritance, nationality, or fundamental rights.
Technical
Used in legal contexts, e.g., 'birthright citizenship' (jus soli).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “birthright”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “birthright”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “birthright”
- Using it for any childhood privilege (e.g., 'My birthright was to play football' – overstatement). Confusing with 'birthmark'. Using as a verb ('He was birthrighted the land').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While often material (land, title), it extends to intangible rights like citizenship, freedom, or cultural identity.
By definition, no. A birthright is something you are born with, not earn. The tension between 'birthright' and 'earned right' is a common thematic contrast.
They overlap, but 'birthright' emphasizes the right itself by virtue of birth, often fundamental. 'Inheritance' is more neutral about the property or title received, which may not be a 'right' (e.g., received via a will).
It is more common in formal, legal, or literary contexts. In everyday speech, 'right from birth' or 'what I was born with' might be used instead.
A right, privilege, or possession to which a person is entitled by birth.
Birthright: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːθraɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɝːθraɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sell one's birthright for a mess of pottage (Biblical allusion to Esau)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The RIGHT you have from BIRTH. Just as you're born with a name, you may be born with certain rights.
Conceptual Metaphor
INHERITANCE IS A POSSESSION RECEIVED AT BIRTH / RIGHTS ARE PROPERTY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'birthright' used most precisely?