sexism

noun

sex·​ism ˈsek-ˌsi-zəm 

1

: prejudice or discrimination based on sex

especially : discrimination against women

2

: behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex

sexist

ˈsek-sist 

adjective or noun

Examples of sexism in a Sentence

the problem of sexism in language

Recent Examples on the Web

This reflects broader sexism in our culture that stigmatizes feminine emotion, including intimacy between mothers and sons. —Sam Sussman september 16, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025

And the same is true for sexism. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025

In it, Noelle Al Saffan, a police department receptionist, pushes back against sexism and police indifference investigating the discovery of the lifeless body of a teen girl in the desert. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025

Women in particular carry the brunt of it, juggling inequitable pay, workplace sexism, and a political environment that treats their rights like bargaining chips. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

sex entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sexism

• heterosexism

Kids Definition

sexism

noun

sex·​ism ˈsek-ˌsiz-əm 

: distinction and especially unjust distinction based on sex and made against one person or group in favor of another

especially : distinctions made against women

sexist

ˈsek-səst 

adjective or noun