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

Democrats now have an extraordinary opportunity to respond with a positive, patriotic, common-sense agenda for national renewal that addresses the concerns of Americans across the political spectrum. — Jamie Metzl, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Nov. 2026

The innocent explanation is that Lennon and others of his generation were mocking the patriotic solemnity that their parents had conferred on the Second World War. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2026

The show triumphantly returned in 1945 with a patriotic theme. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 Nov. 2026

Under his direction, the Jerling Junior High School band performed patriotic songs before the ceremony. — Jeff Vovra, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for patriotic

• aprotic
• aquatic
• biotic
• chaotic
• cirrhotic
• demotic
• despotic
• dichotic
• erotic
• euphotic
• exotic
• fibrotic

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