segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce segregation (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of segregation was in 1555

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 How to pronounce segregation (audio)
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 How to pronounce segregation (audio)
: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis

Legal Definition

segregation

noun
seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce segregation (audio)
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!