segregation
noun
seg·re·ga·tion
ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən 
1
: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated
2
a
: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or ethnic group by enforced or voluntary residence in a restricted area, by barriers to social intercourse, by separate educational facilities, or by other discriminatory means
b
: the separation for special treatment or observation of individuals or items from a larger group
segregation of gifted children into accelerated classes
3
: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis
Synonyms
Examples of segregation in a Sentence
They fought to end the segregation of public schools.
the segregation of men and women
Recent Examples on the Web
Some Chinese immigrants died by suicide after languishing in the station, which also mandated segregation of Asians and non-Asians.
—
Shawna Chen, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024
Gilmore said that Brad Simpson is currently being held in administrative segregation and is confined to his cell at least 23 hours a day.
—Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024
The civil rights movement of the post-World War II era challenged legal segregation, including state laws preventing Black Americans from the political process.
—Domingo Morel / Made By History, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024
Experts from the European Central Bank analyzed the positive appreciation scenario of Bitcoin Bitcoin +0.6%, but for them, this phenomenon is a possible catalyst for further division and segregation in society worldwide.
—Javier Bastardo, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for segregation 
Shawna Chen, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024
Gilmore said that Brad Simpson is currently being held in administrative segregation and is confined to his cell at least 23 hours a day.
—Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024
The civil rights movement of the post-World War II era challenged legal segregation, including state laws preventing Black Americans from the political process.
—Domingo Morel / Made By History, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024
Experts from the European Central Bank analyzed the positive appreciation scenario of Bitcoin Bitcoin +0.6%, but for them, this phenomenon is a possible catalyst for further division and segregation in society worldwide.
—Javier Bastardo, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for segregation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'segregation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near segregation
Cite this Entry
“Segregation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/segregation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
segregation
noun
seg·re·ga·tion
ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən
1
: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated
2
: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or group (as by restriction to an area or by separate schools)
Medical Definition
segregation
noun
seg·re·ga·tion
ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən
: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis
Legal Definition
segregation
noun
seg·re·ga·tion
ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən
1
: separation of individuals or groups and especially racial groups compare desegregation
—
de facto segregation
: segregation of racial groups that arises as a result of economic, social, or other factors rather than by operation or enforcement of laws or other official state action
—
de jure segregation
: segregation intended or mandated by law or otherwise intentionally arising from state action
Note: De jure segregation is illegal.
2
: separate confinement of prisoners within a penal institution
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