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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feminist

play \ˈfe-mə-nist\ noun or adjective

—

feministic

play \ˌfe-mə-ˈni-stik\ adjective

See feminism defined for English-language learners

See feminism defined for kids

Recent Examples of feminism from the Web

In this op-ed, Linne Halpern explores why sorority chapters need to move toward intersectional feminism in the Trump era.

— linne halpern, Teen Vogue, "Why Sororities Need to Embrace a More Intersectional Feminism in the Trump Era," 28 Aug. 2017
As for a career of writing about feminism, though, the sky, for Bonner, is the limit.

— kyle smith, National Review, "A Feminist Reviews Dunkirk, and Says Exactly What You’d Expect," 1 Aug. 2017
This unscientific product of misandrist feminism and confused transgenderism is striding through the culture, and close to no one in the elite is prepared to resist it.

— andrew sullivan, Daily Intelligencer, "The Triumph of Obama’s Long Game," 21 July 2017
This type of feminism isn’t pushing any boundaries in 2017.

— clio chang, New Republic, "The Sex and the City of the Trump Era?," 19 July 2017
Not A Feminist blamed the failure of feminism on the dilution of its message.

— hayley krischer, The Atlantic, "Everyday Sexism in a 'Post-Feminist' World," 12 July 2017
A festive and communal feel pervaded the crowds, with people holding climate change signs and feminism posters and grooving to music.

— kara fox and joe sterling, CNN, "Protesters flood streets of Hamburg as G20 wraps up," 8 July 2017
In August's cover story for Harper's Bazaar, Emily Ratajkowski opened up about her feminism, her work, and her relationship.

— rosemary donahue, Allure, "Emily Ratajkowski Claims People Don’t Want to Work With Her Because of the Size of Her Boobs," 4 July 2017
In reality, feminism is simply the belief in gender inequality.

— suzannah weiss, Teen Vogue, "Demi Lovato Wears "We Should All Be Feminists" Shirt," 1 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of feminism

see ¹feminine

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1895

See Words from the same year

Other Sociology Terms

bourgeois, ethos, eugenics, exurb, incommunicado, intelligentsia, megalopolis, metrosexual, mores, subculture

FEMINISM Defined for English Language Learners

feminism

noun

Definition of feminism for English Language Learners

: the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities
: organized activity in support of women's rights and interests

FEMINISM Defined for Kids

feminism

noun fem·i·nism \ ˈfe-mə-ˌni-zəm \

Definition of feminism for Students

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

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

—

feminist

\-nist\ noun or adjective

Medical Dictionary

feminism

noun fem·i·nism \ ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm \

medical Definition of feminism

:the presence of female characteristics in males

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See 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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feminism

Definition of feminism

feminist

feministic

From the M-W Editors

Recent Examples of feminism from the Web

Origin and Etymology of feminism

Other Sociology Terms

FEMINISM Defined for English Language Learners

feminism

Definition of feminism for English Language Learners

FEMINISM Defined for Kids

feminism

Definition of feminism for Students

feminist

Medical Dictionary

feminism

medical Definition of feminism

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