parochialism

noun pa·ro·chi·al·ism \ pə-ˈrō-kē-ə-ˌli-zəm \

Updated on: 16 Mar 2018

Definition of parochialism

: the quality or state of being parochial; especially : selfish pettiness or narrowness (as of interests, opinions, or views)

Recent Examples of parochialism from the Web

On issues such as energy and transportation, geography and parochialism can trump party allegiance.

— carl hulse, New York Times, "Sharper State Divide in Congress Seen as ‘New Civil War’," 15 Jan. 2018
This caution is produced by a mixture of parochialism (few pupils master a foreign language at school) and superiority (universities at home are excellent).

— The Economist, "Expanding horizonsWhy more British students are choosing foreign universities," 15 Feb. 2018
Resurgent parochialism could gain even more momentum with the looming departure of the U.K., long one of the EU’s strongest single-market proponents.

— valentina pop, WSJ, "Globalization in Retreat | From German Faucets to Italian Chocolate, Trade Barriers Are Rising Again in Europe," 13 Dec. 2017
As a result, the European Union is having to grapple with rising parochialism and protectionism, tougher stances among member states on immigration, and growing opposition to the bloc’s free-trade ambitions.

— valentina pop, WSJ, "EU Struggles With Foibles of Coalition Governments," 19 Oct. 2017
Actually, Tod, your geezery parochialism is what’s wrong.

— jeff gordinier, Esquire, "The Best New Restaurants in America 2017," 18 Oct. 2017
But this bit of history reflects the stubborn parochialism and official dithering that might have gotten into the city's DNA.

— dan rodricks, baltimoresun.com, "Rodricks: The great Baltimore swine debate," 15 July 2017
This episode puts together some of the puzzle pieces that drive legislative behavior: from bicameralism to parochialism to the need for continual reelection.

— andrew rudalevige, Washington Post, "Why does Congress have such a hard time passing laws? Let’s blame the Constitution.," 11 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'parochialism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.