patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈä-tik 

 chiefly British  ˌpa-

1

: inspired by patriotism

stirring patriotic songs

patriotic organizations

patriotic feelings

2

: befitting or characteristic of a patriot

patriotically

ˌpā-trē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē 

 chiefly British  ˌpa-

adverb

Synonyms

• nationalist
• nationalistic

Examples of patriotic in a Sentence

A patriotic fervor swept the country.

hanging a flag outside one's home is a patriotic gesture

Recent Examples on the Web

For Mann, the Great War was more than a contest among rival European powers or a patriotic cause. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024

On Veterans Day White Castle will also serve its sliders in a patriotic package featuring 50 white stars on a navy-blue background. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024

Trump's rallies have continued with their showmanship, incorporating patriotic music, dramatic entrances and speeches aimed at reinforcing his anti-establishment message. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

To dismiss this outright as the director’s version of a patriotic, old-school Rank Organisation war movie, however, is to ignore the far more interesting movie happening right beneath your nose. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈät-ik 

1

: having or showing patriotism

2

: suitable or proper for a patriot

patriotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb