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
The only letter that even touched on racial issues was Landis calling for strict segregation in city and county lockups.
—
Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2025
Despite Jim Crow laws, segregation, and racial violence, Black entrepreneurs carved out paths for economic independence and community empowerment.
—Monica Sanders, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Despite facing racial tensions and segregation, the community’s resilience turned Rainbow Beach into a symbol of unity and joy.
—Melody Winston, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
The most famous example of this conflict is the Jim Crow era after Reconstruction, when many of the political and legal rights gained by African Americans in the Civil War era were swept away by disenfranchisement, segregation and discrimination.
—Philip Klinkner, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for segregation 
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Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2025
Despite Jim Crow laws, segregation, and racial violence, Black entrepreneurs carved out paths for economic independence and community empowerment.
—Monica Sanders, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Despite facing racial tensions and segregation, the community’s resilience turned Rainbow Beach into a symbol of unity and joy.
—Melody Winston, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
The most famous example of this conflict is the Jim Crow era after Reconstruction, when many of the political and legal rights gained by African Americans in the Civil War era were swept away by disenfranchisement, segregation and discrimination.
—Philip Klinkner, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for segregation
Dictionary Entries Near segregation
Cite this Entry
“Segregation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/segregation. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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