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
Examples of sexism in a Sentence
the problem of sexism in language
Recent Examples on the Web
Sharon, who’s spent years waiting to be made a partner at her firm, is repeatedly sidelined by corporate ageism and sexism.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026
But also woven into the mystery is Sharon (a potent Halle Berry), an insurance broker who is the victim of not just sexism but ageism, too, at her workplace.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2026
In his op-ed reflecting on the texts, the secretary takes to task the Westminster establishment that allowed Mandelson’s selection, but also waxes philosophical about sexism, diversity, and inclusion.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
There are many women who work on the agency side of the game, such as Erling Haaland’s representative Rafaela Pimenta — who spoke about sexism in football boardrooms in this interview with The Athletic in 2025 — and Melissa Onana, sister of Aston Villa midfielder Amadou.
—Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sexism
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Justin Chang, New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026
But also woven into the mystery is Sharon (a potent Halle Berry), an insurance broker who is the victim of not just sexism but ageism, too, at her workplace.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2026
In his op-ed reflecting on the texts, the secretary takes to task the Westminster establishment that allowed Mandelson’s selection, but also waxes philosophical about sexism, diversity, and inclusion.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
There are many women who work on the agency side of the game, such as Erling Haaland’s representative Rafaela Pimenta — who spoke about sexism in football boardrooms in this interview with The Athletic in 2025 — and Melissa Onana, sister of Aston Villa midfielder Amadou.
—Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sexism
Cite this Entry
“Sexism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexism. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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