patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈä-tik 

 chiefly British  ˌpa-

1

: inspired by patriotism

stirring patriotic songs

patriotic organizations

patriotic feelings

2

: befitting or characteristic of a patriot

patriotically

ˌpā-trē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē 

 chiefly British  ˌpa-

adverb

Synonyms

• nationalist
• nationalistic

Examples of patriotic in a Sentence

A patriotic fervor swept the country.

hanging a flag outside one's home is a patriotic gesture

Recent Examples on the Web

But in this more nuanced drama, the historical figure who playwright Zimmerman and actor Rodriguez humanize most fully is Rev. Augusto Giuliani, the Methodist minister and patriotic zealot whose unwanted incursions kicked off these events. —Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 2 May 2024

Though no more realistic than a QT debauch or Matthew Vaughn’s ludicrous Kingsman franchise, Ritchie’s movie refashions such adolescent sadism so that this patriotic violence feels larky. —Armond White, National Review, 19 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈät-ik 

1

: having or showing patriotism

2

: suitable or proper for a patriot

patriotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb