misogyny

noun

mi·​sog·​y·​ny mə-ˈsä-jə-nē How to pronounce misogyny (audio)
: hatred of, aversion to, or prejudice against women
a culture that promotes violence and misogyny
… battled the personal demons of alcoholism, racism, and misogyny.James Kaplan
Her books are pervaded by a deep pessimism and an equally profound misogyny.Janet Malcolm
… a mission to expose the common cord that nourishes capitalism, misogyny, classism, and fat hatred …Anastasia Higginbotham
also : something (such as speech or behavior) that reflects and fosters misogyny
Cosloy's suggestion for a solution to misogyny in song—women should make their own records!—is scurrilous as long as men are not ready to pass the mike. Evelyn McDonnell
Dr [Una] McIlvenna says misogyny has always been rife. "There's always been misogyny in news reporting, both victim-blaming and in the coverage of women who commit crimes." Lisa Needham

Did you know?

The (Etymological) Roots of Misogyny

Misogyny may be distinguished from the closely related word sexism, which signifies discrimination based on sex (although it most frequently refers to discrimination against women) and also carries the meaning “behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex.”

Misogyny refers specifically to a hatred of women. The word is formed from the Greek roots misein (“to hate”) and gynē (“woman”). Each of these roots can be found in other English words, both common and obscure. Gynē helped to form gynecologist and androgynous, and misein can be found in such words as misoneism (“a hatred, fear, or intolerance of innovation or change”) and misandry (“a hatred of men”).

Examples of misogyny 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.
Protests followed in a number of Spanish cities, with demonstrators seeking to highlight the continued prevalence of a culture of misogyny in sport, as well as wider Spanish society. Jack Guy, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025 This portrait of misogyny is an Inauguration Day example that doesn’t involve Trump directly. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2025 The Song Aly: There’s still so much misogyny that exists in this industry and country. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025 Some employees have warned that Meta is now supporting the spread of misogyny and bigotry on its services, according to two of the workers. Paresh Dave, WIRED, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for misogyny 

Word History

Etymology

Greek misogynia, from misein to hate + gynē woman — more at queen

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misogyny was circa 1656

Dictionary Entries Near misogyny

Cite this Entry

“Misogyny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misogyny. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on misogyny

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!