patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈä-tik How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
chiefly British ˌpa-
Synonyms of patrioticnext
1
: inspired by patriotism
stirring patriotic songs
patriotic organizations
patriotic feelings
2
: befitting or characteristic of a patriot
patriotically
ˌpā-trē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
chiefly British ˌpa-
adverb

Examples of patriotic in a Sentence

A patriotic fervor swept the country. hanging a flag outside one's home is a patriotic gesture
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.
Observed on the third Monday of February each year, the special day is celebrated through patriotic parades, historical reenactments, and readings of major presidential speeches, including Washington’s Farewell Address. Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 Feb. 2026 Such nuance appears to have violated the more patriotic version of history that the government seeks to instill. Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026 The show was held at a small venue that had patriotic imagery displayed on the walls. Zach Lachance, The Washington Examiner, 9 Feb. 2026 But his usage of the term — heard for decades as the ultimate patriotic American phrase — stirred debate over its context. Kaylee Holland, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patriotic

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriotic was in 1737

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Cite this Entry

“Patriotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriotic. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

patriotic

adjective
pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈät-ik How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
1
: having or showing patriotism
2
: suitable or proper for a patriot
patriotically adverb

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