: the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution

Examples of ethos in a Sentence

The company made environmental awareness part of its business ethos. They are working to keep a democratic ethos alive in the community.
Recent Examples on the Web And many colleges and other institutions vocally committed to racial justice as an ethos. Nikole Hannah-Jones, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 So breaking away from that tradition is part of what the Queens ethos is about and trying to challenge the industry, because women will continue having children, or that should be an option if someone wants to have children. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ethos 

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek ēthos custom, character — more at sib

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ethos was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near ethos

Cite this Entry

“Ethos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethos. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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