sexism

noun

sex·​ism ˈsek-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce sexism (audio)
1
: prejudice or discrimination based on sex
especially : discrimination against women
2
: behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex
sexist adjective or noun

Examples of sexism in a Sentence

the problem of sexism in language
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Many in Democratic circles questioned the wisdom of Barack Obama calling out Black men for being lukewarm on Harris out of latent sexism. Philip Eliott / Detroit, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024 This has been complicated by high costs of livings dampening enthusiasm and quite likely some latent sexism in parts of that coalition. David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 More than 20 years after making her screen debut in Camp, a beloved romp about the universal experience of being a theater kid, Anna Kendrick is unpacking the sexism of Hollywood through the true-crime genre with her directorial debut. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2024 Anchorman trades the ratings-battle storyline of similar films for a battle of the sexes, pitting an infantile boys’ club against a new hire navigating their sexism with the seasoned poise of someone who’s done this all before. Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sexism 

Word History

Etymology

sex entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sexism was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near sexism

Cite this Entry

“Sexism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexism. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sexism

noun
sex·​ism ˈsek-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce sexism (audio)
: distinction and especially unjust distinction based on sex and made against one person or group in favor of another
especially : distinctions made against women
sexist adjective or noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sexism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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