feminism

noun
fem·​i·​nism | \ ˈfe-mə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce feminism (audio) \

Definition of feminism

: 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

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Other Words from feminism

feministic \ ˌfe-​mə-​ˈni-​stik How to pronounce feminism (audio) \ adjective

Examples of feminism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Tucked atop the aluminum bookshelves that Gutierrez and Hernandez built are books about poetry, art, feminism, parenting, Chicano history, Black leaders, cooking and transformative justice, and books in Spanish. San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2021 Even the family, the unit of love and sacrifice that was supposed to justify all the social arrangements of the postwar order, was challenged by feminism and gay rights—which illuminated the ambivalence and sadness behind the facade of the home. Kim Phillips-fein, The New Republic, 2 Aug. 2021 Rarer is the way Manzoor lets the characters speak for themselves, declining to explain their feminism, or their religious beliefs, or their headscarves or lack thereof to viewers used to being spoon-fed such information. Judy Berman, Time, 2 June 2021 With Cultish, Montell is still writing about feminism, arguing that many of these organizations often target working-class and minority women who, feeling failed by capitalism, begin looking for some semblance of a social safety net. Jennifer Wilson, The New Republic, 28 June 2021 Jenn Fang, a scientist who writes a blog about Asian American feminism, said the problem with Asians being treated as interchangeable in the workplace is a systemic one that needs to be discussed with company leaders. New York Times, 6 June 2021 In recent years, intersectional feminism, which recognizes how race and gender collude to oppress women of color, have become buzzwords. Rafia Zakaria, CNN, 9 July 2021 On Clubhouse, there is something for everyone: rooms on pop culture, feminism, cricket, music, gaming, and even religion and prayer. Ananya Bhattacharya, Quartz, 24 June 2021 Principled and highly educated, Portman’s uses clothing to convey messages about feminism, environmental activism, and animal rights. Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 9 June 2021

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

1893, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for feminism

see feminine entry 1

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Time Traveler for feminism

Time Traveler

The first known use of feminism was in 1893

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Dictionary Entries Near feminism

feminise

feminism

feminist

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Statistics for feminism

Last Updated

20 Aug 2021

Cite this Entry

“Feminism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminism. Accessed 30 Aug. 2021.

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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 How to pronounce feminism (audio) \

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 How to pronounce feminism (audio) \

Medical Definition of feminism

: the presence of female characteristics in males

More from Merriam-Webster on 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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