feminism

noun

fem·​i·​nism ˈfe-mə-ˌni-zəm 

: 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 

adjective

Examples of feminism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shirley Chisholm: Sisterhood Is Complicated A 1974 interview on feminism and politics with the first Black major-party candidate for president. —JSTOR Daily, 20 Feb. 2025

There’s sort of a dark, aggro, ’90s attempt at feminism — feminism that is oftentimes quite sexist and sort of brutal. —Dave Itzkoff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025

By Jones is a writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025

Now, is Bridget Jones the ideal example of feminism personified? —Emma Specter, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see feminine entry 1

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing feminism

• trans exclusionary radical feminism

Rhymes for feminism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

feminism

noun

fem·​i·​nism ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm 

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 

noun or adjective

feministic

ˌfem-ə-ˈnis-tik 

adjective

Medical Definition

feminism

noun

fem·​i·​nism ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm 

: the presence of female characteristics in males