1
a
: the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media
b
: the public press
c
: an academic study concerned with the collection and editing of news or the management of a news medium
2
a
: writing designed for publication in a newspaper or magazine
b
: writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation
c
: writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest

Examples of journalism in a Sentence

She plans to major in journalism when she goes to college.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The next day, an executive at the paper’s parent company, El Rito Media, told Heathman his journalism, which had included footage of severe flood damage, was bad for business. — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution earned six honors in the 2026 Signal Awards, highlighting the strength of the newsroom’s journalism, storytelling and audio production across politics, culture and investigative reporting. — Ajc Communications, AJC.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Life was crazy and the entertainment business was weird and journalism was infuriating. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026 To read even a downmarket newspaper, especially one from the mid-twentieth century before newspapers were compelled to compete with TV, is often to be surprised at the serious-mindedness of its journalism. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for journalism

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of journalism was in 1791

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Journalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/journalism. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: the collecting and editing of news to be presented online, in newspapers or magazines, or over television or radio
2
: writing designed for or characteristic of newspapers or magazines
journalistic
ˌjərn-ᵊl-ˈis-tik
adjective

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