sexism

sex·ism | \ ˈsek-ˌsi-zəm

How to pronounce sexism (audio)

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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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Examples of sexism in a Sentence

the problem of sexism in language

Recent Examples on the Web The night before her big day, she was honored with the Woman of the Decade award by Billboard and used the opportunity to call out toxic sexism in the music industry. — Abby Gardner, Glamour, "Taylor Swift Celebrated Her 30th Birthday With an Over-the-Top Holiday Party," 14 Dec. 2019 But women aren’t the only ones responsible for changing the systemic sexism in Hollywood. — Michelle Ruiz, Vogue, "Uh, Are We Not Going to Ask Men About #MeToo, Too?," 4 Dec. 2018 His departure came more than a year after a former engineer published a blog post about experiencing sexism and harassment at Uber, which prompted an internal investigation, led by former US Attorney General Eric Holder, into its work environment. — Ahiza Garcia, CNN, "Uber to pay $4.4 million to settle sexual discrimination case," 18 Dec. 2019 But, when the story aired, people were incensed at the blatant misogyny and sexism at our highest level of government. — Phillip Morris, cleveland, "Cokie Roberts used a local voice to help shatter the glass of the congressional ceiling: Phillip Morris," 22 Sep. 2019 In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Glee, Billboard spoke to actors McHale, Mays and Gilsig about the pilot, fan culture, sexism and social change. — Jason Scott, Billboard, "'Glee' at 10: Stars Look Back on the Culture-Shifting Show's Runaway Success," 3 Sep. 2019 But almost immediately George's supporters cried foul, saying the appointment represented City Hall's entrenched sexism and that a deal was struck with Republicans to elevate Lanshima to the position. — Phillip M. Bailey, The Courier-Journal, "Things to know on Louisville's primary election day," 20 May 2018 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

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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Last Updated

12 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Sexism.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexism?show=0&t=1308304677. Accessed 19 January 2020.

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