feminism
noun
fem·i·nism
ˈfe-mə-ˌni-zəm 
: belief in and advocacy of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes expressed especially through organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests
… feminism began in the late 1840s with the campaign for women's suffrage in America. The second wave came in the 1960s with the call for women's "liberation" and equality under the law. A third wave in the 1990s was more rebellious than reformist, more anarchically individualistic than disciplined and legalistic. Some think we are in the midst of a fourth wave, sustained by the internet and social media …—
The Economist (London)
The Economist (London)Examples of feminism in a Sentence
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This rhetoric neatly aligns with choice feminism, but the conversation feels similarly labyrinthine.
—Literary Hub, 7 Apr. 2026
During the 1840s and 1850s, many of the great American social movements, including abolitionism, feminism, and reform-minded Christianity, took root and blossomed in this unlikely soil.
—Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
In particular, some proponents blamed Jews for planting progressive ideas and movements, including feminism and gender identity, as part of efforts to weaken white men’s dominance.
—Miriam Eve Mora, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
That was the tie between beauty and feminism.
—Alexis Benveniste, Allure, 2 Apr. 2026
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Literary Hub, 7 Apr. 2026
During the 1840s and 1850s, many of the great American social movements, including abolitionism, feminism, and reform-minded Christianity, took root and blossomed in this unlikely soil.
—Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
In particular, some proponents blamed Jews for planting progressive ideas and movements, including feminism and gender identity, as part of efforts to weaken white men’s dominance.
—Miriam Eve Mora, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
That was the tie between beauty and feminism.
—Alexis Benveniste, Allure, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for feminism
Cite this Entry
“Feminism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminism. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
feminism
noun
fem·i·nism
ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm
1
: the theory supporting the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
2
: organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests
Medical Definition
feminism
noun
fem·i·nism
ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm
: the presence of female characteristics in males
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