diffusionist

1 of 2

noun (1)

dif·​fu·​sion·​ist di-ˈfyü-zhə-nəst How to pronounce diffusionist (audio)
: an anthropologist who emphasizes the role of diffusion in the history of culture rather than independent invention or discovery
diffusionism noun
diffusionist adjective

diffusionism

2 of 2

noun (2)

dif·​fu·​sion·​ism -zhəˌnizəm How to pronounce diffusionism (audio)
: a theory in anthropology: widely separated cultural similarities are evidence of historical contact

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

diffusion + -ist entry 1, after earlier diffusionist, adjective, and diffusionism (probably after German Diffusionismus)

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diffusionist was in 1920

Cite this Entry

“Diffusionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffusionist. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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