Simple Definition of ism

from our Learner's Dictionary

ism

noun

ˈɪzəm How to pronounce ism (audio)
plural isms
: a belief, attitude, style, etc., that is referred to by a word that ends in the suffix -ism
Cubism, Impressionism, and other artistic isms
ageism, racism, sexism, and all the other familiar isms

Cite this Entry

“Ism.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/ism. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Entry added

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of orthography

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Apr. 17

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

The Longest Long Words List

The Opposite of Déjà Vu
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
union jack speech bubble
The Great British Vocabulary Quiz Make sure you know the difference between a loo a...
See All