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
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.
Facing an urgent need for more soldiers, Kyiv’s military is finally working to recruit more women, but sexism remains an issue in the ranks. Natasha Frost, New York Times, 19 May 2025 The Depardieu trial laid bare a generational divide in France over sexism. Reuters, CNN Money, 13 May 2025 While sexism in the workplace is far from disappearing, some women claim that embodying confidence can help to mitigate its effects. Ginger Gentile, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Most frustrating, Orwell’s limitations both politically and personally — especially the sexism, homophobia, and classism that occasionally seeped into his novels and essays — don’t receive much implicit or explicit acknowledgement within the film. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sexism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexism. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.

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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