segregation
noun
seg·re·ga·tion
ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən
1
: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated
2
a
: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or ethnic group by enforced or voluntary residence in a restricted area, by barriers to social intercourse, by separate educational facilities, or by other discriminatory means
b
: the separation for special treatment or observation of individuals or items from a larger group
segregation of gifted children into accelerated classes
3
: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis
Synonyms
Examples of segregation in a Sentence
They fought to end the segregation of public schools.
the segregation of men and women
Recent Examples on the Web
One such weakness is lack of segregation of duties.
—Steel Rose, Cpa, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
The Hampton House, a Green Book motel during segregation, hosted an opening party where artists and collectors mingled under chandeliers.
—Martin Vassolo, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024
Parks’ stand for equality in Montgomery sparked a 381-day boycott of the city bus system, and the U.S. Supreme Court banned segregation on public transportation the next year.
1969: The U.S. Selective Service System implemented the draft for the first time since World War II.
—The Arizona Republic, 30 Nov. 2024
The company identified material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting, including lack of segregation of duties and expertise in U.S. GAAP.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for segregation
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Word History
First Known Use
1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing segregation
Dictionary Entries Near segregation
Cite this Entry
“Segregation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/segregation. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
segregation
noun
seg·re·ga·tion
ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən
1
: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated
2
: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or group (as by restriction to an area or by separate schools)
Medical Definition
segregation
noun
seg·re·ga·tion
ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən
: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis
Legal Definition
segregation
noun
seg·re·ga·tion
ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən
1
: separation of individuals or groups and especially racial groups compare desegregation
—
de facto segregation
: segregation of racial groups that arises as a result of economic, social, or other factors rather than by operation or enforcement of laws or other official state action
—
de jure segregation
: segregation intended or mandated by law or otherwise intentionally arising from state action
Note: De jure segregation is illegal.
2
: separate confinement of prisoners within a penal institution
More from Merriam-Webster on segregation
Nglish: Translation of segregation for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of segregation for Arabic Speakers
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