denizen
UK: ˈdɛnɪz(ə)n | US: ˈdɛnəzən
n. an inhabitant or occupant of a particular place
n. (historical) a foreigner granted certain rights in a country
n. (ecology) a plant or animal naturalized in a region
The word denizen traces back to Old French deinzein, meaning "inside" or "within." It originally referred to a foreigner granted residency rights within a country, contrasting with full citizens. Over time, it broadened to mean any inhabitant or naturalized species, retaining the core idea of "belonging to a place." The suffix -izen evolved from French -ien, reinforcing the sense of origin or status.
The fox is a common denizen of urban parks.
Medieval cities often had denizens who lacked full citizenship.
This plant is a denizen of tropical climates.
As a longtime denizen of New York, she knew every corner of the city.
The café was a favorite haunt for local denizens.