sexism

noun

sex·​ism ˈsek-ˌsi-zəm 

1

: prejudice or discrimination based on sex

especially : discrimination against women

2

: behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex

sexist

ˈsek-sist 

adjective or noun

Examples of sexism in a Sentence

the problem of sexism in language

Recent Examples on the Web

That belief justified the UCI’s historical distance limits, the medical warnings of the early 1900s, and a century of institutional sexism. — Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

The Odyssey is limited by cinematic sexism — one that takes the shape of not violence, but incuriosity. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026

Formed in 1985 in response to rampant sexism in the art world, the Guerrilla Girls sought to revitalize feminism through the use of humor, protest, street art, and visually engaging graphics. — News Desk, Artforum, 23 July 2026

Though the sexism of the times forced Beth to take a back seat to her husband as the face of the company, her work dominated the mid-20th century American shoe market and brought avant-garde ideas into shoe design. — Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

sex entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for sexism

• heterosexism

Kids Definition

sexism

noun

sex·​ism ˈsek-ˌsiz-əm 

: distinction and especially unjust distinction based on sex and made against one person or group in favor of another

especially : distinctions made against women

sexist

ˈsek-səst 

adjective or noun