patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈä-tik 

chiefly British ˌpa-

1

: inspired by patriotism

stirring patriotic songs

patriotic organizations

patriotic feelings

2

: befitting or characteristic of a patriot

patriotically

ˌpā-trē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē 

chiefly British ˌpa-

adverb

Synonyms of patriotic

• nationalistic
• nationalist

Examples of patriotic in a Sentence

A patriotic fervor swept the country.

hanging a flag outside one's home is a patriotic gesture

Recent Examples on the Web

There, in the forum where the president shares her projects daily with the nation and answers questions from the press, the question arose about whether Intocable would perform at the patriotic festivities in 2025. — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 16 Sep. 2026

Along with the meal, the event featured a 10-minute evening drone show, with 250 drones displaying patriotic imagery. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Michelle showed off her American pride with a patriotic style statement on September 10. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 14 Sep. 2026

The outcome itself Saturday — amid patriotic pregame and postgame theatrics to honor America’s 250th birthday — means next to nothing in the Huskers’ bid this fall to elevate their program in the Big Ten hierarchy. — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for patriotic

• aprotic
• aquatic
• biotic
• chaotic
• cirrhotic
• demotic
• despotic
• dichotic
• erotic
• euphotic
• exotic
• fibrotic

Kids Definition

patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈät-ik 

1

: having or showing patriotism

2

: suitable or proper for a patriot

patriotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb