intersectional

adjective

in·​ter·​sec·​tion·​al ˌin-tər-ˈsek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce intersectional (audio)
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 Can your story deepen our awareness of the intersectional issues that are the root cause of climate change, such as racial injustice, consolidated power, wealth disparity and extractive economies? Allison Begalman, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 June 2024 Ultimately, intersectional feminism captures the idea that feminism is tantamount to human rights. Elfy Scott, refinery29.com, 11 Mar. 2024 For now, tensions in the intersectional movement will simmer. Samantha Eyler, Foreign Affairs, 31 Jan. 2017 As intersectional and anticolonial feminists have long argued, the greatest feminist gains have accrued to elite women, often white and Western ones. Erica Chenoweth, Foreign Affairs, 8 Feb. 2022 See all Example Sentences for intersectional 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intersectional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of intersectional was in 1752

Dictionary Entries Near intersectional

Cite this Entry

“Intersectional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersectional. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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