patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈä-tik 

chiefly British ˌpa-

1

: inspired by patriotism

stirring patriotic songs

patriotic organizations

patriotic feelings

2

: befitting or characteristic of a patriot

patriotically

ˌpā-trē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē 

chiefly British ˌpa-

adverb

Synonyms of patriotic

• nationalistic
• nationalist

Examples of patriotic in a Sentence

A patriotic fervor swept the country.

hanging a flag outside one's home is a patriotic gesture

Recent Examples on the Web

Stewart wore hers with a chunky pearl choker, red pants, and white sandals for a patriotic look, but the top’s styling potential is endless. — Claire West, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

New survey reveals America's most and least patriotic states. — FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

The video of the patriotic drone show, posted to the Sky Elements YouTube page, has garnered nearly 3 million views in only two days. — Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Nonetheless, a presidential endorsement framed in patriotic language can’t hurt and may even help Walmart at a moment when patriotism is running high. — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for patriotic

• aprotic
• aquatic
• biotic
• chaotic
• cirrhotic
• demotic
• despotic
• dichotic
• erotic
• euphotic
• exotic
• fibrotic

Kids Definition

patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈät-ik 

1

: having or showing patriotism

2

: suitable or proper for a patriot

patriotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb