nativism

noun

na·​tiv·​ism ˈnā-ti-ˌvi-zəm How to pronounce nativism (audio)
1
: a policy of favoring native inhabitants as opposed to immigrants
2
: the revival or perpetuation of an indigenous culture especially in opposition to acculturation
nativist noun or adjective
nativistic adjective

Examples of nativism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Frustration with high levels of immigration, coupled with discontent over Britain’s sluggish economic growth, has provided fertile ground for nativism. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025 The immigrant story isn't hurting Superman; American nativism is. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025 But a new wave of anti-immigrant sentiments is erupting in Indianapolis and across the U.S., which once celebrated its role as a cultural melting pot, in a surge of nativism. Alexandria Burris, IndyStar, 3 July 2025 Aggressive nativism is a core plank of Trump’s world view, but his approach to foreign affairs is more complicated than this alone. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for nativism

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nativism was in 1844

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Cite this Entry

“Nativism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nativism. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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