blaxploitation

noun

blax·​ploi·​ta·​tion ˌblak-(ˌ)splȯi-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce blaxploitation (audio)
: the exploitation of Black people by producers of Black-oriented films
often used before another noun
blaxploitation movies

Examples of blaxploitation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Grier became famous for roles in 1970s blaxploitation action films that featured Black actors in typically low-budget films made by Black filmmakers for Black audiences. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2025 His burgeoning jazz-funk had a cinematic flair that flowered on his soundtrack for the seminal blaxploitation film Coffy in 1973. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025 The blaxploitation film stars Pam Grier as a nurse who goes on a roaring rampage of revenge against the drug dealers and mob bosses in her city. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2025 In 1973, Ayers wrote and produced the soundtrack for blaxploitation action flic Coffy, which starred Pam Grier. Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blaxploitation

Word History

Etymology

blend of blax- (alteration of blacks) and exploitation

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blaxploitation was in 1972

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Cite this Entry

“Blaxploitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blaxploitation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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