multiculturalism

noun

mul·​ti·​cul·​tur·​al·​ism ˌməl-tē-ˈkəlch-rə-ˌli-zəm 

-ˌtī-,

-ˈkəl-chə-

: cultural pluralism or diversity (as within a society, an organization, or an educational institution) : a multicultural social state or a doctrine or policy that promotes or advocates such a state

With racial and ethnic diversity increasing across the nation as a result of increased immigration, educational leaders were keen to embrace multiculturalism.

—Diane Ravitch

Successful multiculturalism builds the bonds of community that lead to interracial, interethnic friendships.

—Diane Ravitch

Multiculturalism is a term that has come to serve as shorthand for a host of different and not necessarily related cultural and educational issues. Arguments relating to gender studies, ethnic and racial studies, affirmative action, freedom of speech on campus, compromise and corruption among educational administrators have all been aired under the title, multiculturalism.

—A. E. Barnes

multiculturalist

ˌməl-tē-ˈkəlch-rə-list

-ˌtī-

-ˈkəl-chə-

adjective

multiculturalist ideas/theories/policies

multiculturalist noun

plural multiculturalists

… in which traditionalists in favor of centering the curriculum on classic works of literature faced off against multiculturalists who wanted to include more works by women and members of minorities.

—Rachel Donadio

Examples of multiculturalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the same time, Western progressivism has its own obvious illiberal features, European countries under notionally liberal governments are busy suppressing free expression and sometimes democracy itself, and the tensions of multiculturalism may make the European order more unstable than our own. —Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025

But from the ashes of Eastland Mall rose an entirely different east Charlotte notable for its diversity, multiculturalism and bustling small businesses. —Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2025

Under the colorful stalactites dripping from the round ceiling of Room XX, a sculpture by Spanish artist Miquel Barceló representing multiculturalism and tolerance, the room was full and attentive. —Isabelle Mayault, The Dial, 8 July 2025

Vanguard America was a white supremacist group that opposed multiculturalism and whose members believed America should be an exclusively white nation. —Art Jipson, The Conversation, 11 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for multiculturalism

• biculturalism