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

Audiences will see lots of red, white and blue, and hear patriotic songs and pop music. — Bill Chappell, NPR, 28 June 2026

The video began with a view of a sliding door with a painting of a flag, a patriotic banner, and white, red, and blue ribbon hanging on the doorway. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

From patriotic events marking the milestone to hands-on crafts and outings designed for time with the grandkids, there’s no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy the season. — Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 2026

Check out the silent auction, flag raising ceremony and patriotic program. — Cole Premo, CBS News, 29 June 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