patriotism

noun

pa·​tri·​ot·​ism ˈpā-trē-ə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce patriotism (audio)
 chiefly British  ˈpa-
: love for or devotion to one's country
Although poles apart ideologically, they are both unashamed of their patriotism.Christopher Hemphill

Examples of patriotism in a Sentence

You may not agree with him politically, but no one can question his patriotism. They supported the war with a fierce patriotism.
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.
Subjected to an almost watertight international arms embargo, Iran was forced to rely mostly on self-sufficiency, religious zeal, and patriotism. Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 Those Republican senators who bent to the president’s will and chose their own future over the future of their country are no longer patriots, as the definition of patriotism is to make choices for your country over yourself. Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2025 Like so many others of his generation, he was driven by a strong sense of patriotism and felt compelled to contribute to the war effort. Steven Gillon / Made By History, TIME, 17 Feb. 2025 At least Gabbard will bring her strong patriotism to her daily briefings of Trump and will be skeptical of moves to expand the government to combat real and perceived threats. John Seiler, Orange County Register, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for patriotism

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriotism was in 1716

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Cite this Entry

“Patriotism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriotism. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

patriotism

noun
pa·​tri·​ot·​ism ˈpā-trē-ə-ˌtiz-əm How to pronounce patriotism (audio)
: love of one's own country

More from Merriam-Webster on patriotism

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