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

Duarte’s writing features detailed prose and a moving storyline, encompassing grief, healing, and the losses borne by a Latinx family in the name of American patriotism. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Others described seeing the image and feeling patriotism, or hope for the first time that the country might somehow recover. — Thomas E. Franklin, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

In the context of the 9/11 attacks, sharing one’s flashbulb memory of that day can seem like a demonstration of patriotism and connection with other Americans. — Jennifer Talarico, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

The spectacle creates a powerful, yet fleeting, moment of shared wonder and patriotism. — Stewart McLaurin, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for patriotism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

Kids Definition

patriotism

noun

pa·​tri·​ot·​ism ˈpā-trē-ə-ˌtiz-əm 

: love of one's own country