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

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

Chatoo warns that the AI use penalty may be even larger for older women, women of color, or other women who face intersectional sources of bias. — Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

For contemporary gardens, Itoh peonies, also called intersectional peonies, are often the best choice for your garden. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026

This is not necessarily a new sentiment for those familiar with the intersectional politics of beauty amongst non-white cultures. — Sable Yong, Allure, 11 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