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

Since 1863, Americans have celebrated the fourth Thursday in November as a national holiday defined less by patriotism and prayer than by family and food. —JSTOR Daily, 24 Nov. 2025

Instead, my own memory of Rushmore is composed of concrete and pine, granite and patriotism. —Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025

They have been offered symbols of patriotism and good cheer, according to the White House. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025

Speaking at an event last month with Turning Point USA at the University of Mississippi, Vance was asked by an audience member about Christianity and American patriotism. —Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025

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