feminism
noun
fem·i·nism
ˈfe-mə-ˌni-zəm 
: belief in and advocacy of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes expressed especially through organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests
… feminism began in the late 1840s with the campaign for women's suffrage in America. The second wave came in the 1960s with the call for women's "liberation" and equality under the law. A third wave in the 1990s was more rebellious than reformist, more anarchically individualistic than disciplined and legalistic. Some think we are in the midst of a fourth wave, sustained by the internet and social media …—
The Economist (London)
The Economist (London)Examples of feminism in a Sentence
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The women feminism often forgets.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025
Jaeggi hopes people will come for her vibrant portraits of beautifully dressed women, and stay for a more layered and complex story about feminism, immigration and personal sacrifice.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025
Their fearless blend of feminism, fun, and unapologetic attitude helped redefine the possibilities for women in rap—and in music at large.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Nov. 2025
But Carly wrote the song that defined feminism.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
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Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025
Jaeggi hopes people will come for her vibrant portraits of beautifully dressed women, and stay for a more layered and complex story about feminism, immigration and personal sacrifice.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025
Their fearless blend of feminism, fun, and unapologetic attitude helped redefine the possibilities for women in rap—and in music at large.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Nov. 2025
But Carly wrote the song that defined feminism.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feminism
Cite this Entry
“Feminism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminism. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
feminism
noun
fem·i·nism
ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm
1
: the theory supporting the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
2
: organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests
Medical Definition
feminism
noun
fem·i·nism
ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm
: the presence of female characteristics in males
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