sexism

noun

sex·​ism ˈsek-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce sexism (audio)
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 adjective or noun

Examples of sexism in a Sentence

the problem of sexism in language
Recent Examples on the Web Additionally, the National Labor Relations Board is investigating claims that those same employees were fired illegally for sharing a letter that accused founder and CEO Elon Musk of sexism. Collin Woodard / Jalopnik, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 Five years earlier, the #MeToo movement exposed rampant sexism, harassment and abuse in the TV, film and music industry. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 In chats marked as featuring worker complaints, employees grumbled about sexism, long hours and weak sales. Aaron Schaffer, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 Though men paying for women might sound harmless, Dr. Leaper said, the gesture is a form of sexism by which traditional gender norms are reinforced. Santul Nerkar, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2024 The imbalance has fueled criticism of Moore over what some have seen as slow progress on gender equity under his leadership and an unwillingness to challenge a culture of sexism and harassment that has resulted in numerous lawsuits by LAPD officers in recent years. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2024 Positioning Robin as an unheeded prophetess and an eventual participant in Ethan’s undoing is a smart way to explore the sexism of the media world at the time. Jesse Green, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024 Its adherents twist biblical language to justify violence, sexism and hostility toward people of color. John Blake, CNN, 3 Feb. 2024 Its six hour-ish episodes follow this line of thought through explorations of sexism and classism, home and family, and with so many big themes bouncing around, some are inevitably served better than others. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sexism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

sex entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sexism was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near sexism

Cite this Entry

“Sexism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexism. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sexism

noun
sex·​ism ˈsek-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce sexism (audio)
: 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 adjective or noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sexism

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