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
ˈsek-sist How to pronounce sexism (audio)
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.
Sadly, that encounter wouldn’t be the last time the former Today anchor encountered sexism at the workplace. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 24 June 2026 Women’s sports have been the site of bodily surveillance for decades, and the cisgender women involved in those sports are all too aware of the ways their bodies are judged through the lens of sexism. — Megan Gandy, The Conversation, 1 July 2026 The script by Kevin Wade throws up hurdles of sexism and class snobbery, never sugarcoating how Tess’s male co-workers treat her like a blow-up doll. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 For the next millennium and a half, claims about equality proved remarkably consistent with sexism and slavery, as well as monarchy and universal empire. — Teresa M. Bejan, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sexism

Word History

Etymology

sex entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of sexism was in 1934

Rhymes for sexism

See All Rhymes for sexism

Browse Nearby Words

sex-intergrade
sexism
sex kitten
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sexism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
ˈsek-səst How to pronounce sexism (audio)
adjective or noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sexism

Nglish: Translation of sexism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sexism

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