feminism

noun

fem·​i·​nism ˈfe-mə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce feminism (audio)
: belief in and advocacy of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes expressed especially through organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests
feministic
ˌfe-mə-ˈni-stik How to pronounce feminism (audio)
adjective

Examples of feminism in a Sentence

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.
Drenched in bright, saturated hues and electric light, the sculpture exemplifies her signature aesthetic—a bold blend of pop culture, feminism, South Asian motifs, and joyful rebellion. — Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025 By Jones is a writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism. — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2025 Positioned after Moten, McDuffie’s work frames Black Midwestern feminism not as reactionary or isolated but as globally entangled and ideologically generative, with community feminism rooted in both migration and memory. — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2025 While there’s also a long tradition of funny fat women who are Black, this particular tradition of self-laceration feels born of white feminism, defined by how close the character is to the dominant paradigms of prettiness without embodying them herself. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for feminism

Word History

Etymology

see feminine entry 1

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of feminism was in 1893

Phrases Containing feminism

Rhymes for feminism

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Browse Nearby Words

feminise
feminism
feminist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Feminism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminism. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

feminism

noun
fem·​i·​nism ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce feminism (audio)
1
: the theory supporting the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
2
: organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests
feminist
-nəst How to pronounce feminism (audio)
noun or adjective
feministic
ˌfem-ə-ˈnis-tik How to pronounce feminism (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

feminism

noun
fem·​i·​nism ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce feminism (audio)
: the presence of female characteristics in males

More from Merriam-Webster on feminism

Nglish: Translation of feminism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about feminism

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