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

In his front yard, an American flag waves above a sign with the same patriotic colors. —Ramon Taylor, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025

To heighten its visual power, Jefferson limited the design to three colors inspired by red, white, and blue, creating a bold and patriotic image meant to be instantly recognizable even from afar. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025

This year's crystal ball in Times Square drop to celebrate 2026 will feature a patriotic touch for America's 250th birthday. —Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025

The biggest headlines shaping the denim industry in 2025 were driven by political forces and carried an overtly patriotic tone. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Dec. 2025

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