regionalism

noun

re·​gion·​al·​ism ˈrēj-nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce regionalism (audio)
ˈrē-jə-nə-ˌli-
1
a
: consciousness of and loyalty to a distinct region with a homogeneous population
b
: development of a political or social system based on one or more such areas
2
: emphasis on regional locale and characteristics in art or literature
3
: a characteristic feature (as of speech) of a geographic area
regionalist
ˈrēj-nə-list How to pronounce regionalism (audio)
ˈrē-jə-nə-list
noun or adjective
regionalistic
ˌrēj-nə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce regionalism (audio)
ˌrē-jə-nə-ˈli-
adjective

Examples of regionalism in a Sentence

The residents have a strong sense of regionalism. The word “pop” for “soda” is a Midwest regionalism.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
But European regionalism has always also included ethnic and cultural elements connected to Christianity and whiteness. Hans Kundnani, Foreign Affairs, 10 Sep. 2024 But regionalism in Connecticut, Yankees don’t want to hear that. Alison Cross, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2024 Many Libyans argue that regionalism is exaggerated, and a recent survey from the University of Benghazi found that a majority of Libyans support a unified state. Lindsay Benstead, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2013 Mass media and corporate marketing spelled an end to regionalism, creating an artificial culture that can be mass-produced and mass-marketed. Joel Selvin, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for regionalism 

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of regionalism was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near regionalism

Cite this Entry

“Regionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regionalism. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

regionalism

noun
re·​gion·​al·​ism ˈrēj-nəl-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce regionalism (audio)
-ən-ᵊl-
1
: the quality of being conscious of and loyal to a particular region
2
: the practice of using a particular region as the setting in art or literature
3
: an individual quality (as of speech) of a geographic area
regionalist noun or adjective
regionalistic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on regionalism

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