SINCE 1828
provincialism
noun
pro·vin·cial·ism
| \ prə-ˈvin(t)-shə-ˌli-zəm
\
\
Definition of provincialism
1
: a dialectal or local word, phrase, or idiom
2
: the quality or state of being provincial
Examples of provincialism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ibsen’s next work, Peer Gynt (1867), a stunning picaresque that lampoons Norwegian peasant life, provincialism, and greed, was also enthusiastically received. — Andrew Katzenstein, Harper's magazine, "The Radical Conservative," 16 Sep. 2019 The world of the movie is all kitsch and gimmick, a non-stop gag of yah-you-betcha Midwest provincialism interrupted by violent flares of criminal disorder. — Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, "“Drop Dead Gorgeous,” Which Is Finally Streaming, Is Possibly My Favorite Movie of All Time," 5 July 2019 This worry is really the identifying mark of provincialism. — Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, "Going Home with Wendell Berry," 29 May 2019 The way things have been handled the past few weeks has smacked of provincialism. — Eric Bolin, ajc, "Bret Bielema paid the price for not playing politics at Arkansas," 26 Nov. 2017 In Sinclair Lewis’ Main Street or Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio—to name just twofamous literary examples of this critique—the communal spirit serves as a byword for provincialism, and bigotry. — Jeet Heer, New Republic, "Facebook’s Promise of Community Is a Lie," 7 Oct. 2017 No matter how many movers and shakers roll in and out of town, or how many sophisticated boutiques grace its streets, Milan simply cannot escape its provincialism. — Elle Decor Staff, ELLE Decor, "ELLE DECOR Goes to Milan," 20 Sep. 2010 But when the sport itself leaves the country, the provincialism sets in. — Jon Wertheim, SI.com, "Mailbag: Injuries Will Be Common Theme at U.S. Open, But What's To Blame?," 23 Aug. 2017 Some combination of D.C. provincialism and the Rip Van Winkle effect of seven years behind bars would have to be overcome. — Sally Singer, Vogue, "Now a Free Woman, Chelsea Manning Is Redefining Her Style on Her Own Terms," 22 Aug. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'provincialism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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