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

The region’s invigorating multiculturalism also allures visitors drawn to calypso music, island cuisine, and its history as a port of entry to the Caribbean. —Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025

Trudeau père achieved a legislative commitment to bilingualism, the constitutional entrenchment of multiculturalism, and the defeat of the first referendum on Quebec separation. —Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025

In the same vein, young English-speaking children are getting to learn Spanish and embrace multiculturalism. —Priscilla Blossom, Time, 2 Oct. 2025

Bohemianism in the first text is made into multiculturalism in the second. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for multiculturalism

• biculturalism