segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated

2

a

: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or ethnic group by enforced or voluntary residence in a restricted area, by barriers to social intercourse, by separate educational facilities, or by other discriminatory means

b

: the separation for special treatment or observation of individuals or items from a larger group

segregation of gifted children into accelerated classes

3

: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis

Synonyms of segregation

• solitude
• isolation
• privacy
• loneliness

Examples of segregation in a Sentence

They fought to end the segregation of public schools.

the segregation of men and women

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of the march’s leaders and participants were later imprisoned in the Women’s Jail, where activists were held separately according to their race, as apartheid enforced segregation everywhere in South Africa. — Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

The history of redlining, segregation and the lack of generational wealth shows how decisions made by the founding fathers created the landscape that exists for Black people in present day. — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Officials in his administration have framed the remaining segregation orders as federal intrusion into local school systems. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

Although outlawed by the Fair Housing Act of 1968, its legacy remains visible today in racial wealth gaps, segregation, and unequal opportunity. — Derrick Johnson, Time, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing segregation

• anti-segregation
• law of segregation

Rhymes for segregation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated

2

: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or group (as by restriction to an area or by separate schools)

Medical Definition

segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən 

: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis

Legal Definition

segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən 

1

: separation of individuals or groups and especially racial groups compare desegregation

— de facto segregation

: segregation of racial groups that arises as a result of economic, social, or other factors rather than by operation or enforcement of laws or other official state action

— de jure segregation

: segregation intended or mandated by law or otherwise intentionally arising from state action

Note: De jure segregation is illegal.

2

: separate confinement of prisoners within a penal institution