segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated

2

a

: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or ethnic group by enforced or voluntary residence in a restricted area, by barriers to social intercourse, by separate educational facilities, or by other discriminatory means

b

: the separation for special treatment or observation of individuals or items from a larger group

segregation of gifted children into accelerated classes

3

: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis

Synonyms

• solitude
• isolation
• privacy
• loneliness

Examples of segregation in a Sentence

They fought to end the segregation of public schools.

the segregation of men and women

Recent Examples on the Web

After the Norway spruce absorbs soluble gold from the soil via its roots, the resident endophytic bacteria within the tree’s tissues take action, initiating the segregation and solidification of the gold. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025

That segregation would last until 1948. —Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025

These are powerful places exploring dark parts of American history, like segregation and slavery. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025

The West Charlotte landmark was once a hub for Black nightlife in Charlotte, both before and after segregation. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing segregation

• anti-segregation
• law of segregation

Rhymes for segregation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated

2

: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or group (as by restriction to an area or by separate schools)

Medical Definition

segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən 

: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis

Legal Definition

segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən 

1

: separation of individuals or groups and especially racial groups compare desegregation

— de facto segregation

: segregation of racial groups that arises as a result of economic, social, or other factors rather than by operation or enforcement of laws or other official state action

— de jure segregation

: segregation intended or mandated by law or otherwise intentionally arising from state action

Note: De jure segregation is illegal.

2

: separate confinement of prisoners within a penal institution