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

• 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

The last decade, however, has seen patriotism among Democrats plummet while the Republican figure has remained virtually unchanged. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

Ignorant New Yorkers would benefit from visiting Little Havana for a better understanding of American values — patriotism and a deep sense of gratitude to live here. —Luka Ladan, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025

After all, what is patriotism if not the radical belief that every student, regardless of ZIP code, diagnosis, category of disability or citizenship, is worthy of learning, safety, protection and joy? —Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025

Watch the video to hear more about people’s thoughts on the holiday and on patriotism. —Kansas City Star, 4 July 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