intersectional

in·ter·sec·tion·al | \ ˌin-tər-ˈsek-shnəl

, -shə-nᵊl \

Definition of intersectional

1a : 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 Organizing in Haughville was a way to address these intersectional issues and focus on grass-roots movements, Tardy said. — Lydia Gerike, The Indianapolis Star, "Fourth of July was not Independence Day for all, organizers behind Black-only march note," 5 July 2020 This year’s pride celebration, which took place during the same month that marches and rallies for the Black lives taken by police have disrupted life in every corner of the city, brought with it a new opportunity for intersectional allyship. — Brianna Provenzano, refinery29.com, "Police Pepper Sprayed Queer Liberation Protestors In New York. It Only Strengthened The Movement.," 30 June 2020 The tribute not only raises awareness for important issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community, but is also in recognition of the people who are fighting for intersectional justice. — Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, "A Giant Rainbow Light Show Will Illuminate NYC’s West Village for Pride This Weekend," 28 June 2020 By taking an intersectional approach to DEI, CEOs can capture critical dimensions of the employee experience. — NBC News, "Gender economist Katica Roy: How to create a workplace that truly values black women," 19 June 2020 Our unions don't consider or defend our specific, intersectional struggles. — Tyler Aquilina, EW.com, "Hundreds of Black artists sign letter calling for change in Hollywood: 'We demand better'," 23 June 2020 As Black Lives Matter protests merge with Pride marches, global citizens are proving the fight for equality is inextricably intersectional—and urgent. — Shanna Shipin, Glamour, "Here’s How to Support the Black LGBTQ+ Community," 15 June 2020 In other words, police brutality and mass incarceration are intersectional problems, with large components of both race and class (and other factors). — Ryan Cooper, TheWeek, "The fight against police abuse must include economic equality," 15 June 2020 Unlike in civil rights movements of the 60s, which were predominately made up of black people and people of color, today’s movement is intersectional, Huerta explains. — Jasmine Aguilera, Time, "Tarana Burke and Dolores Huerta: To Create Lasting Change, We Need Commitment to Racial Justice Even After Protests End," 11 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intersectional.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

11 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Intersectional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersectional. Accessed 14 Jul. 2020.