ideology
noun
ˌi-dē-ˈä-
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Ideology has been in use in English since the end of the 18th century and is one of the few words whose coiner we can identify. The French writer A. L. C. Destutt de Tracy proposed it as a term to designate the “science of ideas,” and in that sense the word was quickly borrowed into English. Though ideology originated as a serious philosophical term, within a few decades it took on connotations of impracticality thanks to Napoleon, who used it in a derisive manner. Such connotations are still present in some contexts, but the word today is largely used neutrally, most often to refer to a systematic body of concepts, and especially to the set of ideas and beliefs held by a particular group or political party.
Examples of ideology in a Sentence
Time, 29 July 2025
Some of this is a byproduct of ideology and an independent streak – an understandable frustration that today’s systems are antiquated and in many cases broken, giving the idea of starting from scratch a romantic appeal.
—Rob Day, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
However, Professor Little from the University of California, San Francisco, pointed out that the U.S. government's definition of ideology remains unclear.
—CNBC, 25 July 2025
Only the Palestinian people can reject Hamas by renouncing the ideology of martyrdom that has long defined their national identity.
—Margaux Chetrit, Sun Sentinel, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideology
Cite this Entry
“Ideology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideology. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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ideology
noun
ˌid-
Medical Definition
ideology
noun
ˌid-
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