intersectional

adjective

in·​ter·​sec·​tion·​al ˌin-tər-ˈsek-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

a

: of or relating to intersectionality

Because the intersectional experience is greater than the sum of racism and sexism, any analysis that does not take intersectionality into account cannot sufficiently address the particular manner in which Black women are subordinated.

—Kimberlé Crenshaw

b

: involving members of multiple social categories

… I was near my home, in the midst of a multiracial, multigenerational, intersectional protest. I joined hundreds of others in the streets.

—Kira Banks

2

[inter- + sectional entry 1] : existing between sections

intersectional war

an intersectional game

3

: of or relating to an intersection

intersectional joints/lines

Examples of intersectional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People who are growing and learning about stewarding, protecting and honoring inclusive intersectional spaces have to start somewhere. —Carmen Rios, Flow Space, 5 Sep. 2025

Excavating a student’s genuine, intersectional interests and reflecting them in compelling, tangible ways on an application is only possible through extensive expertise, human connection, and dedicated mentorship. —Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

In theory, that means teams would be more willing to schedule marquee intersectional games, especially in September. —Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2025

Brookings' analysis stressed that intersectional identities, such as being both Black and male, often led to the greatest disadvantages. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for intersectional

• bidirectional
• affectional
• correctional
• directional
• inflectional
• multidirectional
• omnidirectional
• unidirectional
• sectional