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

Set against the famous granite faces in the Black Hills, the patriotic spectacle is expected to be one of the year’s most memorable moments, with limited tickets released closer to the event. —Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 11 Jan. 2026

Resisting Europe’s current trajectories through supporting patriotic European movements aims to restore civilizational confidence and true alliance vitality. —Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026

The small Santa Clara diner offers a straightforward menu of burgers and burritos, paired with an abundance of patriotic decorations and walls covered in photographs of smiling customers. —Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

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