provincialism

noun

pro·​vin·​cial·​ism prə-ˈvin(t)-shə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce provincialism (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whatever your own reaction, the open-ended nature of Serra’s approach flies in the face of what people have been conditioned to expect from today’s non-fiction cinema, much of which exists to challenge the audience for their provincialism while flattering them for their empathy. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 27 June 2025 Liebling took this characteristic, the public shows of modesty (and less public tribalism), as good old fashioned Midwestern provincialism. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 But the return of a mysterious young woman Sandra (Roxane Mesquida), a scowling blonde sporting a leg brace and a rock’n’roll air of disdain for her hometown’s provincialism, expands Naw’s horizons suddenly. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 May 2025 This was the mid-nineteen-sixties, when Canada was coming out of that provincialism and into its own. Bill McKibben, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for provincialism

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of provincialism was in 1770

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Cite this Entry

“Provincialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provincialism. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

provincialism

noun
pro·​vin·​cial·​ism prə-ˈvin-chə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce provincialism (audio)
1
: a local word, phrase, or idiom
2
: the quality or state of being provincial

More from Merriam-Webster on provincialism

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