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

Nostalgia and American patriotism have been familiar themes. —John Kell, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

But these are the days that bold patriotism and waterproof mascara are made for. —Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 29 Jan. 2026

There's no rah-rah patriotism; there's no epic grandstanding. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026

Between the river’s source, entrusted to an order of Orthodox nuns, and its southern delta, where caviar bound for the Kremlin is harvested, the author journeys through a defiant country transformed by war, sanctions, and reinvigorated patriotism. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 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