intersectional

adjective

in·​ter·​sec·​tion·​al ˌin-tər-ˈsek-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

a

: of or relating to intersectionality

Because the intersectional experience is greater than the sum of racism and sexism, any analysis that does not take intersectionality into account cannot sufficiently address the particular manner in which Black women are subordinated.

—Kimberlé Crenshaw

b

: involving members of multiple social categories

… I was near my home, in the midst of a multiracial, multigenerational, intersectional protest. I joined hundreds of others in the streets.

—Kira Banks

2

[inter- + sectional entry 1] : existing between sections

intersectional war

an intersectional game

3

: of or relating to an intersection

intersectional joints/lines

Examples of intersectional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Survival, intersectional identity, perseverance, love, empathy, community, connection, and creation are at the heart of their characters and films. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2026

Top intersectional games Lincoln, Carlsbad and San Marcos all open their seasons with intersectional showdowns on Friday. — John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Barber advocated repentance for political inaction on issues such as poverty and racial discrimination and urged intersectional activism to defend democratic values. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

This is their opportunity to represent their intersectional identities. — Hallie Golden, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for intersectional

• bidirectional
• affectional
• correctional
• directional
• inflectional
• multidirectional
• omnidirectional
• unidirectional
• sectional