essentialism

1 of 3

noun (1)

es·​sen·​tial·​ism i-ˈsen(t)-shə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: an educational theory that ideas and skills basic to a culture should be taught to all alike by time-tested methods compare progressivism

2

: a philosophical theory ascribing ultimate reality to essence embodied in a thing perceptible to the senses compare nominalism

3

: the practice of regarding something (such as a presumed human trait) as having innate existence or universal validity rather than as being a social, ideological, or intellectual construct

essentialist

i-ˈsen(t)-shə-list 

adjective or noun

essentialist

2 of 3

noun (2)

es·​sen·​tial·​ist

-ch(ə)lə̇st

plural -s

: a follower of or believer in essentialism (as in religion, philosophy, or education)

essentialist

3 of 3

adjective

" 

: of, relating to, subscribing to, or being essentialism : of or relating to an essentialist

also : realist in philosophic theory or point of view

essentialistic

ə̇¦senchə¦listik, 

(¦)e¦s-, 

ē¦s-

adjective

Examples of essentialism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In these moments and others, HOTD has sometimes espoused a form of gender essentialism that suggests Rhaenyra and Alicent are both inherently kinder and better than the men around them. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

The Row’s latest collection was so strong, with more color and texture, and less essentialism, while maintaining strong price architecture. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 29 June 2026

Such tangible essentialism can give groups a concentrated sense of purpose and meaning—and may be coupled with a powerful urge to persecute members of out-groups. — Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026

Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, notes that the choice for a classic, warm neutral originated from a discussion about essentialism. — Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for essentialism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism