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
Brooding over the human condition, the plays variously acknowledge death, sexism, cruelty, existential dread and the difficulty of finding common ground with your neighborhood barista.
—
Celia Wren, Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for sexism
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.
Celia Wren, Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for sexism
Cite this Entry
“Sexism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexism. Accessed 25 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
