elitism

noun

elit·​ism i-ˈlē-ˌti-zəm  ē-  ā- 

1

: leadership or rule by an elite

2

: the selectivity of the elite

especially : snobbery

elitism in choosing new members

3

: consciousness of being or belonging to an elite

Examples of elitism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Coming from a religious upbringing, this idea of elitism deeply shocked me. — Natalie Stoclet, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Others view it as a relic, a regatta of elitism and something which feels exclusive for the wrong reasons. — Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2026

Frank concluded that many Kansans had been bamboozled by populist anti-elitism. — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026

If all this sounds eye-roll-inducing, take note that the pies’ scarcity isn’t a form of elitism, or a McRib-style marketing gimmick. — Allecia Vermillion, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for elitism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism