regionalism
noun
re·gion·al·ism
ˈrēj-nə-ˌli-zəm 
ˈrē-jə-nə-ˌli-
1
a
: consciousness of and loyalty to a distinct region with a homogeneous population
b
: development of a political or social system based on one or more such areas
2
: emphasis on regional locale and characteristics in art or literature
3
: a characteristic feature (as of speech) of a geographic area
Examples of regionalism in a Sentence
The residents have a strong sense of regionalism.
The word “pop” for “soda” is a Midwest regionalism.
Recent Examples on the Web
His 1796 farewell address became a preeminent statement on republicanism: Washington wrote about the importance of national unity and the dangers that regionalism, partisanship, and foreign influence pose to it.
—
New Atlas, 9 June 2025
Notwithstanding the resurgence of regionalism in international affairs, none of the contributors expect the five American countries to form a coherent Western Hemisphere lobby within the G-20.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
The shift toward regionalism and local priorities over global cooperation adds further strain, complicating transactions across international borders and increasing the demand for more flexible payment infrastructures.
—Victor Orlovski, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
In its day the novel did not in fact seem to reflect a number of contemporary concerns—politics, regionalism, the search for equality and social justice—or to address historical realities.
—Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for regionalism
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New Atlas, 9 June 2025
Notwithstanding the resurgence of regionalism in international affairs, none of the contributors expect the five American countries to form a coherent Western Hemisphere lobby within the G-20.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
The shift toward regionalism and local priorities over global cooperation adds further strain, complicating transactions across international borders and increasing the demand for more flexible payment infrastructures.
—Victor Orlovski, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
In its day the novel did not in fact seem to reflect a number of contemporary concerns—politics, regionalism, the search for equality and social justice—or to address historical realities.
—Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for regionalism
Cite this Entry
“Regionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regionalism. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
regionalism
noun
re·gion·al·ism
ˈrēj-nəl-ˌiz-əm
-ən-ᵊl-
1
: the quality of being conscious of and loyal to a particular region
2
: the practice of using a particular region as the setting in art or literature
3
: an individual quality (as of speech) of a geographic area
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