elitism

noun

1
: leadership or rule by an elite
2
: the selectivity of the elite
especially : snobbery
elitism in choosing new members
3
: consciousness of being or belonging to an elite

Examples of elitism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Of course, there have long been attempts at political interference in academia, with a distrust of elitism smoldering beneath the widespread disdain for the ivory tower. Pamela Paul, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2024 Still, every record store worker who spoke with Rolling Stone has been widely embracing of the pop wave not just from sales but from a cultural standpoint, a rejection of the sort of elitism that can still be associated with vinyl culture snobbery. Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elitism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elitism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elitism was in 1934

Dictionary Entries Near elitism

Cite this Entry

“Elitism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elitism. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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