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 the 1910s, hems rose a few inches higher—in a practical and patriotic response to the Great War—and opaque fine mesh styles in geometric patterns became popular. — April White, JSTOR Daily, 2 Sep. 2026

Even among the worldliest of us, an unexpected roundabout can trigger a fireworks-and-bald-eagles display of patriotic rage. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 2 Sep. 2026

The family had cut all sorts of other mazes over the years, with themes that included cartoon characters and patriotic and personal themes. — Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026

The album combined patriotic standards with original Parton songs. — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 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