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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Some Chinese immigrants died by suicide after languishing in the station, which also mandated segregation of Asians and non-Asians. Shawna Chen, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 Gilmore said that Brad Simpson is currently being held in administrative segregation and is confined to his cell at least 23 hours a day. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024 The civil rights movement of the post-World War II era challenged legal segregation, including state laws preventing Black Americans from the political process. Domingo Morel / Made By History, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024 Experts from the European Central Bank analyzed the positive appreciation scenario of Bitcoin Bitcoin +0.6%, but for them, this phenomenon is a possible catalyst for further division and segregation in society worldwide. Javier Bastardo, Forbes, 20 Oct. 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 14 Nov. 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

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