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sexism

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

Definition of sexism

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
Other Words from sexism Example Sentences Learn More about sexism

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Other Words from sexism

sexist \ ˈsek-​sist How to pronounce sexist (audio) \ adjective or noun

Examples of sexism in a Sentence

the problem of sexism in language
Recent Examples on the Web There are multiple reasons Clinton lost, and putting all women candidates in the same category is sexism. — E.j. Dionne Jr., The Mercury News, "Dionne: Fascinating poll shows what Warren must do in debate," 9 Sep. 2019 This is not the first time that Limbaugh has faced charges of sexism. — Oliver Darcy, CNN, "Progressive talk show host Krystal Ball slams Rush Limbaugh for 'slut shaming' her with false claim," 12 Sep. 2019 Wellesley College, the nation’s preeminent women’s campus is in unfamiliar territory: defending itself against charges of sexism in an in-your-face advertising campaign launched by the local electrical workers union. — Deirdre Fernandes, BostonGlobe.com, "Wellesley College takes heat from electrical union over female construction jobs," 5 Sep. 2019 In the same way that frivolous accusations of sexism minimize the gravity of real ones, false arguments for electing them also minimize the very real case for doing so. — Katherine Timpf, National Review, "MSNBC Host Hurts Women by Claiming They Have Better Character," 27 Aug. 2019 And while Johnson’s record of sexism is lengthy, Swinson has earned a reputation as an active feminist campaigner, notably promoting the right to maternity leave in parliament. — Parker Richards, The New Republic, "The Woman Who Could Beat Boris Johnson," 29 July 2019 But in Dunaway’s case the label might not entirely be the product of sexism. — Martha Ross, The Mercury News, "Faye Dunaway goes ‘full on Mommie Dearest’ and gets fired from play, report says," 25 July 2019 Her misogyny is the enforcement structure of sexism. — The Economist, "How to change a word’s meaning," 22 June 2019 Yeah, there is a lot of sexism in the world in general. — Andy Patrizio, Ars Technica, "EverQuest’s long, strange 20-year trip still has no end in sight," 6 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sexism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of sexism

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for sexism

sex entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

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Time Traveler for sexism

Time Traveler

The first known use of sexism was in 1963

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Statistics for sexism

Last Updated

14 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Sexism.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexism?show=0&t=1308304677. Accessed 14 December 2019.

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More Definitions for sexism

sexism

noun
How to pronounce sexism (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of sexism

: unfair treatment of people because of their sex especially : unfair treatment of women

See the full definition for sexism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sexism

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

Kids Definition of sexism

: distinction and especially unjust distinction based on gender and made against one person or group (as women) in favor of another

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More from Merriam-Webster on sexism

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with sexism

Spanish Central: Translation of sexism

Nglish: Translation of sexism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of sexism for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sexism

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