feminism

noun

fem·​i·​nism ˈfe-mə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce feminism (audio)
: 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
feministic adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Markus Schreiber/Associated Press BERLIN—As war rages on NATO’s eastern edge, Germany’s new national security strategy focuses not just on more military spending but on climate change and feminism. Bertrand Benoit, WSJ, 14 June 2023 In her new series of textile works, this artist addresses themes of gendered labor, feminism, sexuality and art history. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 14 June 2023 The Shirelles weren’t a band of activists, but their music helped girls practice a defining element of second-wave feminism: talking. Time, 13 June 2023 June 9, 2023 Some reviews were scathing, dismissing the exhibition on Picasso and feminism co-organized by the Australian comic Hannah Gadsby as weak in scholarship, thin on significant works of art and knee-jerk in its politics. Robin Pogrebin, New York Times, 9 June 2023 Nurse romance novels faded in popularity in the 1970s, following the rise of second-wave feminism. Brooke Hauser, BostonGlobe.com, 26 May 2023 Art, history and feminism combine at Hotel Figueroa. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2023 In T’Challa’s absence, Wakanda has become, at least for the moment, a matriarchy, and Wakanda Forever displays a matter-of-fact superhero feminism grounded in the personalities of the performers and their characters. Vulture, 9 Nov. 2022 With the second wave feminism of the mid-20th century came a reclamation of the word witch as a term of pride and empowerment. Jessica Iredale, Town & Country, 28 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'feminism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see feminine entry 1

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of feminism was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near feminism

Cite this Entry

“Feminism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminism. Accessed 28 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

feminism

noun
fem·​i·​nism ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce feminism (audio)
1
: the theory supporting the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
2
: organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests
feminist noun or adjective
feministic adjective

Medical Definition

feminism

noun
fem·​i·​nism ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce feminism (audio)
: the presence of female characteristics in males

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