patriotism

noun

pa·​tri·​ot·​ism ˈpā-trē-ə-ˌti-zəm 

chiefly British ˈpa-

: love for or devotion to one's country

Although poles apart ideologically, they are both unashamed of their patriotism.

—Christopher Hemphill

Synonyms of patriotism

• nationalism

Examples of patriotism in a Sentence

You may not agree with him politically, but no one can question his patriotism.

They supported the war with a fierce patriotism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Decades of growing Irish patriotism resulted in Irish Aid societies and annual parades of bagpipes and drums. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026

Sammy, a troubled 13-year-old, secretly enlists against his mother’s wishes — seduced by promises of purpose, patriotism, and notoriety. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2026

There is nothing manufactured about his patriotism. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026

What was initially an unusual swell of Canadian patriotism a year ago has evolved into a new social and economic order for the country of 41 million. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for patriotism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

Kids Definition

patriotism

noun

pa·​tri·​ot·​ism ˈpā-trē-ə-ˌtiz-əm 

: love of one's own country