heroism
noun
her·o·ism
ˈher-ə-ˌwi-zəm 
ˈhe-rə-
also ˈhir-
1
: heroic conduct especially as exhibited in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end
2
: the qualities of a hero
Examples of heroism in a Sentence
women who showed heroism by fighting for their right to vote
the inspiring heroism of the firefighters who risked their lives to save the people trapped in the burning building
Recent Examples on the Web
John Chapman, who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroism saving lives during the March 4, 2002, Battle of Takur Ghar in Afghanistan.
—
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
The Arlington Heights police chief said seen people, including five officers, a sergeant and a police commander, will be awarded a medal of valor for their heroism in getting this couple out safely at the village hall meeting on March 16.
—Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
To look at it is to see the entire story of seduction and murder and tragic heroism through a single frame in which light itself, as always in cinema, is the lead actor and the source of revelation.
—Nicole Krauss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
And so, as the city draws together to remember the victims of the Pratt tragedy and the heroism of the cops who responded to it, the APD once more is under the glare of a negative spotlight.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heroism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
The Arlington Heights police chief said seen people, including five officers, a sergeant and a police commander, will be awarded a medal of valor for their heroism in getting this couple out safely at the village hall meeting on March 16.
—Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
To look at it is to see the entire story of seduction and murder and tragic heroism through a single frame in which light itself, as always in cinema, is the lead actor and the source of revelation.
—Nicole Krauss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
And so, as the city draws together to remember the victims of the Pratt tragedy and the heroism of the cops who responded to it, the APD once more is under the glare of a negative spotlight.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heroism
Cite this Entry
“Heroism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heroism. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
heroism
noun
her·o·ism
ˈher-ə-ˌwiz-əm
also ˈhir-
: heroic conduct or qualities
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
