provincialism
noun
pro·vin·cial·ism
prə-ˈvin(t)-shə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: a dialectal or local word, phrase, or idiom
2
: the quality or state of being provincial
Examples of provincialism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Attempts to resolve ecological responsibility through strict localism often risk sliding into cultural provincialism or nationalist enclosure—fantasies of purity that ignore how deeply entangled our lives already are.
—
Manuela Moscoso,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
Trotsky was repulsed by the Georgian’s pockmarked face, his coarse manners, his provincialism.
—
Literary Hub,
25 Feb. 2026
Liebling took this characteristic, the public shows of modesty (and less public tribalism), as good old fashioned Midwestern provincialism.
—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
24 June 2025
But the return of a mysterious young woman Sandra (Roxane Mesquida), a scowling blonde sporting a leg brace and a rock’n’roll air of disdain for her hometown’s provincialism, expands Naw’s horizons suddenly.
—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for provincialism
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Manuela Moscoso,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
Trotsky was repulsed by the Georgian’s pockmarked face, his coarse manners, his provincialism.
—
Literary Hub,
25 Feb. 2026
Liebling took this characteristic, the public shows of modesty (and less public tribalism), as good old fashioned Midwestern provincialism.
—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
24 June 2025
But the return of a mysterious young woman Sandra (Roxane Mesquida), a scowling blonde sporting a leg brace and a rock’n’roll air of disdain for her hometown’s provincialism, expands Naw’s horizons suddenly.
—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for provincialism
Cite this Entry
“Provincialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provincialism. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
provincialism
noun
pro·vin·cial·ism
prə-ˈvin-chə-ˌliz-əm
1
: a local word, phrase, or idiom
2
: the quality or state of being provincial
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