Definition

A person who is not a citizen of the country they are in, often having limited rights compared to citizens.

Example

Many noncitizens live and work in the country but do not have the same legal rights as citizens.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new law affecting noncitizens?

Yeah, it's pretty controversial and has a lot of people worried.

I can’t believe they’re making it harder for noncitizens to work here.

I know, it seems really unfair to those who contribute to the community.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Noncitizen → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "citizen" (from Old French *citizien*, meaning a member of a city or state). The word "noncitizen" refers to someone who is not a member of a city or state, lacking the rights and privileges of citizenship.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'citizen' as a member of a community — a noncitizen is someone who is not a member of that community.

Visually Confused Words