patriotism

noun

pa·​tri·​ot·​ism ˈpā-trē-ə-ˌti-zəm 

chiefly British ˈpa-

: love for or devotion to one's country

Although poles apart ideologically, they are both unashamed of their patriotism.

—Christopher Hemphill

Synonyms of patriotism

• nationalism

Examples of patriotism in a Sentence

You may not agree with him politically, but no one can question his patriotism.

They supported the war with a fierce patriotism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Stevens’s kind of patriotism seemed both more honest and more enduring than what had been previously offered to me on the road. — Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

As Baltimore prepares to welcome ships from around the world for Sail 250, local veterans are taking part in the historic celebration— bringing their own stories of service, sacrifice, and patriotism to an event honoring America's 250th anniversary. — Crystal McQuay, CBS News, 22 June 2026

Club America would focus more on patriotism than on partisanship, encouraging students to put up flags and stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

For years, sports leagues have sought military partnerships because patriotism plays well on television. — Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for patriotism

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

Kids Definition

patriotism

noun

pa·​tri·​ot·​ism ˈpā-trē-ə-ˌtiz-əm 

: love of one's own country