multiculturalism

noun

mul·​ti·​cul·​tur·​al·​ism ˌməl-tē-ˈkəlch-rə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce multiculturalism (audio)
-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 In Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Georgia, many Latino communities are similar to the one in Denison: more recent, working-class immigrants who are interested in messaging on immigration and multiculturalism. Jack Herrera, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2024 In such polarized times, Mr. Gyan Das and Mr. Ali’s friendship offers a reminder of what Ayodhya could have – and perhaps still can – become: a symbol of multiculturalism and tolerance. Shweta Desai, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Jan. 2024 Did the Jews voluntarily erect a version of it in an eighth-century homage to multiculturalism? Rich Lowry, National Review, 29 Oct. 2023 Not since the Battle of Versailles had such a showcase of multiculturalism made its mark. Killian Wright-Jackson, Essence, 1 Dec. 2023 This gives Auckland a multiculturalism reflected in eclectic food, art, and festivals. Petrina Darrah, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Aug. 2023 As with so many other conflicts in American life, from the Scopes trial to the fury against multiculturalism, at its core has been a war over textbooks. Adam Hochschild, The New York Review of Books, 16 Nov. 2023 London thrives not for its gentrification or its wealth, but its embrace of vibrant communities and commitment to multiculturalism and diversity. Jack Francis, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2023 In one of the other fresh promos, Hernández gets a bit ahead of himself by delivering excited comments in Spanish about being emotional during a week of multiculturalism where the cast can speak as much Spanish as English. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'multiculturalism.' 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

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of multiculturalism was in 1957

Dictionary Entries Near multiculturalism

Cite this Entry

“Multiculturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multiculturalism. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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