elitism

noun

1
: leadership or rule by an elite
2
: the selectivity of the elite
especially : snobbery
elitism in choosing new members
3
: consciousness of being or belonging to an elite

Examples of elitism in a Sentence

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.
Big interview: British TV hard man Danny Dyer talked finding his range, confounding critics and industry elitism. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025 The gates were mere emblems of exclusivity and elitism, of the wealthy and powerful whose names adorn the university’s buildings. Karsten Moran, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 Universities were under fire then, too, criticized simultaneously as hotbeds of radicalism and bastions of elitism. Andrew V. Papachristos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 In academia, for example, knowledge is sometimes restricted by institutional gatekeeping—whether through elitism, limited access to resources or faculty who control what information gets shared with students. Mark Travers, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elitism

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elitism was in 1934

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Cite this Entry

“Elitism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elitism. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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