native-born

adjective

na·​tive-born ˈnā-tiv-ˌbȯrn How to pronounce native-born (audio)
: belonging to or associated with a particular place (such as a country) because of being born in that place
a native-born American/Texan
compare natural-born

Examples of native-born in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To attribute our economic growth to immigrants is to ignore the contributions of the 85% of the country that is native-born, and all its work, investment and spending. — Rich Lowry, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 During the picking season, his employment rolls can swell to as many as 200 workers, none of whom is native-born and white. — Robin Abcarian, The Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of native-born was in 1645

Rhymes for native-born

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Browse Nearby Words

native beech
native-born
native box
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Cite this Entry

“Native-born.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/native-born. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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