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

Throughout our history, this commitment has inspired patriotic Americans from all walks of life to set aside their differences and find camaraderie in uniform. —Johnny Weixler, The Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2025

But deep down, don’t confuse that with not being patriotic. —Pierre Lebrun, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

Most of the confrontations at Dorit’s July Fourth party (which is especially patriotic considering her accent still doesn’t have a passport) have to do with Dorit herself. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 18 Feb. 2025

Belting out a national anthem at a sports event is a quintessential patriotic act. —Talib Visram, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for patriotic

• abiotic
• aeronautic
• apoptotic
• asymptotic
• cyanotic
• eukaryotic
• idiotic
• meiotic
• prebiotic
• probiotic
• prokaryotic
• semiotic

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