sexism

noun

sex·​ism ˈsek-ˌsi-zəm 

1

: prejudice or discrimination based on sex

especially : discrimination against women

2

: behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex

sexist

ˈsek-sist 

adjective or noun

Examples of sexism in a Sentence

the problem of sexism in language

Recent Examples on the Web

Even as bombs and bullets fly around her, Kate Winslet also has to battle sexism among Second World War correspondents in the latest trailer for Lee. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 July 2024

Then there was the sexism of the art world and agism. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 July 2024

The pass typified the sexism then rampant in the art world, where Flack struggled to be taken seriously by her compatriots and by critics. —News Desk, Artforum, 2 July 2024

Male birth control:What's getting in the way, sexism or science? —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 7 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

sex entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sexism

noun

sex·​ism ˈsek-ˌsiz-əm 

: distinction and especially unjust distinction based on sex and made against one person or group in favor of another

especially : distinctions made against women

sexist

ˈsek-səst 

adjective or noun