elitism

noun

elit·​ism i-ˈlē-ˌti-zəm  ē-  ā- 

1

: leadership or rule by an elite

2

: the selectivity of the elite

especially : snobbery

elitism in choosing new members

3

: consciousness of being or belonging to an elite

Examples of elitism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With a dedication to building a refined and independent brand, Tigers Trolling balances both market appeal with artistic integrity to ensure her pieces showcase her style, are commercially successful and sustain innovation as a critique on modern consumerism and elitism. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026

Yet our love/hate relationship with elitism and luxury remain one of our culture’s most paradoxical obsessions. —Alexa Beck, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026

That sense of competition and elitism can be really exhausting. —Katie Bain, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2026

Many of those campuses have tried for years to shed reputations of elitism, with only gradual changes in enrollment. —Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for elitism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism