feminism

noun
fem·​i·​nism | \ˈfe-mə-ˌni-zəm \

Definition of feminism 

1 : the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes

2 : organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests

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Other Words from feminism

feminist \ˈfe-​mə-​nist \ noun or adjective
feministic \ˌfe-​mə-​ˈni-​stik \ adjective

Examples of feminism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To boot, the book ends with the revelation that the villain all along was feminism. Josephine Livingstone, The New Republic, "In Bill Clinton’s New Thriller, the Final Villain is Feminism," 8 June 2018 Sojourner Truth, a legendary orator who had a hand disability, lit the flames of modern feminism through speeches about women’s rights and the abolition of slavery. Ola Ojewumi, SELF, "I'm Celebrating My Disabled Black Girl Magic Because I'm Done Feeling Invisible," 7 Nov. 2018 In addition to detailing their experiences over the past two years, the book also discusses the role of feminism in fitness, and reinforces the message that fitness can and should be for everyone, no matter their age, size, gender, or ability. Amy Marturana, SELF, "These Feminist Philosophers Set Out to Get as Fit as They Could by Age 50," 7 Aug. 2018 Under the Shadow' (2016) Set in 1980s post-revolutionary Tehran, this Farsi-language film has an obvious socio-political subtext, and is deeply rooted in feminism. Kate Robertson, Marie Claire, "13 Feminist Horror Movies That Will Make You Appreciate the Genre in a Whole New Way," 18 July 2018 Janet Kniffin, who developed her interests in feminism and social justice at Pomfret School in eastern Connecticut, died June 10. Anne M. Hamilton, courant.com, "Extraordinary Life: A Passion For Women's Rights, Social Justice," 1 July 2018 And to Nelson’s point, when second wave feminism took hold in the early ‘60s, covens and witch imagery came along with it—in pop culture and in the real world. Kelsea Stahler, Teen Vogue, "The Resurgence of Witches in Pop Culture Like Sabrina, AHS "Coven," and "Charmed" Reflects Women in the Real World," 14 Nov. 2018 Greer is one of the godmothers of second-wave feminism. Amanda Erickson, Washington Post, "Feminist Germaine Greer says most rape is just ‘bad sex’," 31 May 2018 In the book, June recalls being embarrassed by her mother’s brand of strident, second wave feminism, and took that generation’s advances for granted. Rena Gross, Billboard, "'The Handmaid's Tale': Season 2, Episode 3 Recap – 9 Heavy Moments From 'Baggage'," 2 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'feminism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of feminism

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for feminism

see feminine entry 1

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Statistics for feminism

Last Updated

30 Dec 2018

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Time Traveler for feminism

The first known use of feminism was in 1841

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More Definitions for feminism

feminism

noun

English Language Learners Definition of feminism

: the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities

: organized activity in support of women's rights and interests

feminism

noun
fem·​i·​nism | \ˈfe-mə-ˌni-zəm \

Kids Definition of feminism

1 : the belief that women and men should have equal rights and opportunities

2 : organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests

Other Words from feminism

feminist \-​nist \ noun or adjective

feminism

noun
fem·​i·​nism | \ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm \

Medical Definition of feminism 

: the presence of female characteristics in males

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More from Merriam-Webster on feminism

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with feminism

Spanish Central: Translation of feminism

Nglish: Translation of feminism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of feminism for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about feminism

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