Maoism

noun

Mao·​ism ˈmau̇-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce Maoism (audio)
: the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism developed in China chiefly by Mao Zedong
Maoist noun or adjective

Examples of Maoism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The group always claimed inspiration from Communist China, and over time their commitment to Maoism deepened. Clay Risen, New York Times, 30 Nov. 2023 In the late 1970s, the Chinese economy was stunted by decades of civil war, conflict with Japan, and Maoism. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 3 Oct. 2023 At that point, China could have easily reverted to Maoism. Yuen Yuen Ang, Foreign Affairs, 22 June 2021 China’s attraction for American businesses – as well as those from other nations — has soared since the start of the country’s economic reforms and move away from Maoism in the 1970s. Russell Flannery, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 Republic, though few believed in or even understood Marxism or Maoism. Andrew Nathan, WSJ, 25 June 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Maoism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Maoism was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near Maoism

Cite this Entry

“Maoism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maoism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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