sexism

noun

sex·​ism ˈsek-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce sexism (audio)
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 adjective or noun

Examples of sexism in a Sentence

the problem of sexism in language
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.
Women in particular carry the brunt of it, juggling inequitable pay, workplace sexism, and a political environment that treats their rights like bargaining chips. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025 Corpus has denied wrongdoing, framing the case as a union backlash against her reform efforts in a department long dominated by sexism and resistant to change. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025 Walter Tevis, The Queen’s Gambit The book behind the Netflix hit, this novel follows a chess prodigy battling addiction, isolation, and sexism. Mark Nevins, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025 Beyond the individual accusations leveled against Wang and Muckey, Levy’s investigation suggests that sexism and misogyny continue to plague the upper ranks of classical music, one that would allow many of these allegations to go unaddressed for years. Sammy Sussman, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sexism

Word History

Etymology

sex entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sexism was in 1963

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Cite this Entry

“Sexism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexism. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

sexism

noun
sex·​ism ˈsek-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce sexism (audio)
: 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 adjective or noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sexism

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