nativism

noun

na·​tiv·​ism ˈnā-ti-ˌvi-zəm How to pronounce nativism (audio)
1
: a policy of favoring native inhabitants as opposed to immigrants
2
: the revival or perpetuation of an indigenous culture especially in opposition to acculturation
nativist noun or adjective
nativistic adjective

Examples of nativism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Elon Musk, an immigrant, has immersed himself in nativism. Eli Hager, ProPublica, 25 Oct. 2024 Notably, Daisy Douglas Barr both crusaded for temperance and led the Indiana Women’s KKK as its Imperial Empress, exemplifying the ties of nativism and eugenics that bound the two organizations together. Elizabeth Marshall / Made By History, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024 The politicians are basing their words on their own nativism and McCall’s flawed belief that Cleveland-Cliffs would be a better partner for USW. Vincent Trometter, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2024 Support for populist nativism doesn’t track neatly with economic disadvantage. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nativism 

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nativism was in 1844

Dictionary Entries Near nativism

Cite this Entry

“Nativism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nativism. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on nativism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!