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.
The baseline sexism of the ’90s and aughts drew some publishers and critics to classify any fiction written for or by women in that era as chick lit, even books that didn’t remotely qualify. Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 4 May 2026 Father-in-law’s surgery forces letter writer to reckon with three generations of family sexism. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 3 May 2026 On top of the sexism, the band faced additional challenges. Marissa Lorusso, Pitchfork, 3 May 2026 Critics said the scandal highlighted a culture of sexism in Spanish soccer. ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sexism

Word History

Etymology

sex entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of sexism was in 1934

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Cite this Entry

“Sexism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexism. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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

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