stigma

noun

stig·​ma ˈstig-mə How to pronounce stigma (audio)
plural stigmas or stigmata stig-ˈmä-tə How to pronounce stigma (audio) ˈstig-mə-tə How to pronounce stigma (audio)
1
a
: a set of negative and unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something
One of the major obstacles to persons seeking treatment for addiction is the stigma attached to the disease.Bob Gaydos
For many years, e-bikes carried the stigma of being vehicles for lazy pedalers and seniors.Brian X. Chen
Given the stigma attached to welfare, some children's advocates have come to the view that the soundest way, politically, to help poor children is to help all.Paul Taylor
b
: a mark of shame or discredit : stain
bore the stigma of cowardice
c
plural usually stigmata : an identifying mark or characteristic
specifically : a specific diagnostic sign of a disease
2
a
plural usually stigmas : the usually apical part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate see flower illustration
b
: a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal
3
a
stigmata plural : bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of the crucified Jesus and sometimes accompanying religious ecstasy
b
4
archaic : a scar left by a hot iron : brand
stigmal adjective

Did you know?

Stigma was borrowed from Latin stigmat- , stigma, meaning "mark, brand," and ultimately comes from Greek stizein, meaning "to tattoo." Earliest English use hews close to the word's origin: stigma in English first referred to a scar left by a hot iron—that is, a brand. In modern use the scar is figurative: stigma most often refers to a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something—for example, people talk about the stigma associated with mental illness, or the stigma of poverty. When the plural form stigmata is used, the context is frequently religious: stigmata typically refers to bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of the crucified Jesus and sometimes accompanying religious ecstasy. The first person said to have experienced this miraculous infliction of stigmata is St. Francis of Assisi, in the 13th century.

Examples of stigma in a Sentence

There's a social stigma attached to receiving welfare. the stigma of slavery remained long after it had been abolished
Recent Examples on the Web Ahead of the vote, commissioners weighed the value of auction tags against the stigma these auctions have among the hunting and non-hunting public. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 20 Mar. 2024 But there was also a stigma attached to the supergroup thing. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2024 Despite the stigma, African American English hasn't died out not only because completely changing the way someone speaks is hard, but also because language is an important part of who someone is, Holliday said. USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024 His column focuses on the blessings and burdens of advancing age — and how some folks are challenging the stigma associated with older adults. Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024 In 19th century Detroit, there was little stigma attached to public speaking. Michael Jackman, Detroit Free Press, 9 Mar. 2024 Researchers also reject the stigma that poor people can't be trusted with free money. Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 5 Mar. 2024 Prohibition was disruptive to that field of study and the stigma since then has inhibited research outside of therapeutics. Andrew Deangelo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Societal stigmas and systemic inequities persist, posing significant challenges for Black women affected by HIV. Larada Lee, Essence, 9 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stigma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin stigmat-, stigma mark, brand, from Greek, from stizein to tattoo — more at stick

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of stigma was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near stigma

Cite this Entry

“Stigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stigma. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stigma

noun
stig·​ma ˈstig-mə How to pronounce stigma (audio)
plural stigmata stig-ˈmät-ə How to pronounce stigma (audio) ˈstig-mət-ə How to pronounce stigma (audio) or stigmas
1
a
: a mark of shame : stain
b
: an identifying mark or characteristic
especially : a specific sign that indicates the presence of a disease
2
stigmata plural : bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of Jesus when nailed on the cross
3
a
: a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal
b
: the upper part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they start to grow
stigmatic
stig-ˈmat-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

stigma

noun
stig·​ma ˈstig-mə How to pronounce stigma (audio)
plural stigmata stig-ˈmät-ə How to pronounce stigma (audio) ˈstig-mət-ə How to pronounce stigma (audio) or stigmas
1
: an identifying mark or characteristic
specifically : a specific diagnostic sign of a disease
the stigmata of syphilis
2
3
: a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal

More from Merriam-Webster on stigma

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