patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈä-tik 

chiefly British ˌpa-

1

: inspired by patriotism

stirring patriotic songs

patriotic organizations

patriotic feelings

2

: befitting or characteristic of a patriot

patriotically

ˌpā-trē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē 

chiefly British ˌpa-

adverb

Synonyms of patriotic

• nationalistic
• nationalist

Examples of patriotic in a Sentence

A patriotic fervor swept the country.

hanging a flag outside one's home is a patriotic gesture

Recent Examples on the Web

And then on other end of the scale, there might be some of your most progressive fans wondering if their favorite singer should participating in anything patriotic right now, when the nation is troubled. —Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026

President Obama and Michelle Obama are brilliant, caring and patriotic Americans. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026

Finished in a bronze tone, the figure stands atop a marble pedestal in front of the president’s mansion, framed by patriotic bunting and palm trees. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026

What about being patriotic to your country is divisive? —Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for patriotic

• abiotic
• aeronautic
• apoptotic
• asymptotic
• cyanotic
• eukaryotic
• idiotic
• meiotic
• prebiotic
• probiotic
• prokaryotic
• semiotic

Kids Definition

patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈät-ik 

1

: having or showing patriotism

2

: suitable or proper for a patriot

patriotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb