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

sexist

ˈsek-sist 

adjective or noun

Examples of sexism in a Sentence

the problem of sexism in language

Recent Examples on the Web

Their negative stereotyped reputation seems to follow them like ageism follows older employees or sexism follows female employees. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Without spoiling too much, this relatively simple premise becomes a way for Ibsen to explore a broad arrange of themes from religious hypocrisy to sexism to class. —Brent Lang, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025

Sheedy opened up about facing sexism as a young actress in an essay for Roxane Gay’s Not that Bad book in 2018. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025

The film also focuses on the challenges that Twiggy herself had to face — the sexism, patronizing treatment from older men, and body shaming. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 14 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

sex entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sexism

• heterosexism

Kids 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

sexist

ˈsek-səst 

adjective or noun