white supremacy

noun

1

: the belief that the white race is inherently superior to other races and that white people should have control over people of other races

The alt-right is a reactionary conservative movement. … It is characterized by an embrace of fascism, white supremacy, and misogyny …

—Constance Grady

2

: the social, economic, and political systems that collectively enable white people to maintain power over people of other races

… [William] Kelley turned his considerable intellect and imagination to the question of what it is like to be white in this country, and what it is like, for all Americans, to live under the conditions of white supremacy …

—Kathryn Schulz

Examples of white supremacy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Civil War breaking out just a century later showcases why white supremacy and the subjugation of Black people and people of color have meant a certain level of instability for many American citizens since the very beginning. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 June 2026

The burning cross was captured on video and posted on social media, leaving many outraged by the image associated with white supremacy and hate. — Jermont Terry, CBS News, 18 June 2026

No matter how often Democrats and race idolaters insist that white supremacy remains America's defining force, repetition does not transform an assertion into reality. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026

It was appropriated a decade ago as a signal for white supremacy that started as a hoax on the far-right online message board 4chan. — ABC News, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

white supremacy

noun

: the belief that the white race is superior to other races and that white people should have control over people of other races

white supremacist noun