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

• 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

Many Ukrainian women have felt a deep sense of patriotism and duty to jumpstart the economy, while salon patrons get their hair cut and nails done to take control—and find normalcy—in an unstable time. —Longreads, 1 Mar. 2024

The Kansas House is weighing legislation to bar state universities from requiring job applicants to support or oppose statements about diversity, equity, inclusion or patriotism. —Katie Bernard, Kansas City Star, 1 Feb. 2024

As Irish patriotism in the U.S. grew, annual parades of bagpipes, drums and dancing became the norm. —USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024

Worried about its investment, MGM made several cuts and changes to stem the growing outrage among the country’s Irish Catholics — who, it should be noted, already felt under attack by a resurgent and powerful Ku Klux Klan that mocked their faith and questioned their patriotism. —Dan Barry, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024

Cassie is a New York City paramedic in 2003, a time when 9/11 still felt fresh and America’s patriotism towards first responders was at an all-time high. —Jeff Conway, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024

Arneson also views such hyperlocal sourcing on an ethical level, framing the use of native plants as a form of patriotism. —Paola Singer, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2024

Sunny Hostin commemorated the apparent death of red, white, and blue patriotism with an all-black ensemble on The View. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024

For progressive-minded voters, visual patriotism has been consigned to the dustbin of if not history then at least the one holding all our old skinny jeans and side parts. —Mattie Kahn, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

patriotism

noun

pa·​tri·​ot·​ism ˈpā-trē-ə-ˌtiz-əm 

: love of one's own country