intersectional

adjective

in·​ter·​sec·​tion·​al ˌin-tər-ˈsek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce intersectional (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to intersectionality
Because the intersectional experience is greater than the sum of racism and sexism, any analysis that does not take intersectionality into account cannot sufficiently address the particular manner in which Black women are subordinated.Kimberlé Crenshaw
b
: involving members of multiple social categories
… I was near my home, in the midst of a multiracial, multigenerational, intersectional protest. I joined hundreds of others in the streets.Kira Banks
2
[inter- + sectional entry 1] : existing between sections
intersectional war
an intersectional game
3
: of or relating to an intersection
intersectional joints/lines

Examples of intersectional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Yet within our diverse intersectional community, smaller groups who share more than just a common identity exist. Sophie Morgan, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2024 Durling emphasizes that intersectional diversity is his priority when locking in the festival’s schedule, films and honorees, a choice that reinforces the festival’s foundational principles to provide access to, and education about, the arts — for everyone. Zoe Hewitt, Variety, 7 Feb. 2024 Learn about the transformative role of organizations like SisterSong, a key group in broadening the conversation around bodily autonomy and intersectional advocacy. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2024 Instead of encouraging students to speak with and possibly learn from their professors, students who feel uncomfortable are authorized to inform on them; professors are subject, without due process, to proceedings conducted by faculty who blindly follow DEI and intersectional dogma. Sheldon Rubenfeld, National Review, 13 Jan. 2024 In Jackson’s intersectional credo, art speaks many languages and radiates many shades of meaning. Reed Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2024 The group evolved into the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays, with chapters in cities including New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, and championed what would later be called an intersectional approach to advocacy. Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 25 Jan. 2024 Boyd highlights the necessity of understanding intersectional identities and promoting inclusivity in autism research. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2024 Locating the patient on some matrix of intersectional oppression is a distraction. Stanley Goldfarb, National Review, 21 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intersectional.' 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

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of intersectional was in 1752

Dictionary Entries Near intersectional

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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