desegregation

noun

de·​seg·​re·​ga·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce desegregation (audio)
1
: the state of being desegregated
2
: the action or an instance of desegregating

Examples of desegregation 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.
In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower used the act to enforce the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas, sending federal troops to ensure the safety of Black students integrating the school against the resistance of state authorities. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025 From 1964-67, Rauch chaired the Gastonia Human Relations Committee that helped with desegregation of Gaston County schools, and the integration of Black customers at movie theaters and restaurants. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 21 Mar. 2025 The bottom line is that in every facet of American life, federal intervention has historically been necessary to correct injustices, from desegregation in the South to mandating accommodations for students with disabilities. David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025 When Nick Mason was covering busing and desegregation in schools in Buffalo, New York, in the 1970s one thing stood out to him: education was the key to solving inequality. Graham P. Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for desegregation

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of desegregation was in 1931

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Cite this Entry

“Desegregation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desegregation. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Legal Definition

desegregation

noun
de·​seg·​re·​ga·​tion dē-ˌse-grə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce desegregation (audio)
1
: the action or an instance of desegregating
2
: the state of being desegregated

More from Merriam-Webster on desegregation

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