Synonyms of segregationnext
1
: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated
2
a
: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or ethnic group by enforced or voluntary residence in a restricted area, by barriers to social intercourse, by separate educational facilities, or by other discriminatory means
b
: the separation for special treatment or observation of individuals or items from a larger group
segregation of gifted children into accelerated classes
3
: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis

Examples of segregation in a Sentence

They fought to end the segregation of public schools. the segregation of men and women
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.
That was the case in the United States during the legal segregation of African Americans in the South—some police officers were members of violent white supremacist organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan. Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 Defense attorneys described their confinement as effectively punitive segregation even though the brothers had not committed disciplinary violations. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 That’s because the capital’s segregation isn’t just about security or income, says Teresa García Alcaraz, an architect and researcher who has studied Caracas for more than a decade. Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 The government made that promise after people with disabilities fought against segregation in institutions, which have a long history of abuse and neglect. Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for segregation

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of segregation was in 1615

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Segregation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/segregation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

segregation

noun
1
: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated
2
: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or group (as by restriction to an area or by separate schools)

Medical Definition

segregation

noun
: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis

Legal Definition

segregation

noun
1
: separation of individuals or groups and especially racial groups compare desegregation
de facto segregation
: segregation of racial groups that arises as a result of economic, social, or other factors rather than by operation or enforcement of laws or other official state action
de jure segregation
: segregation intended or mandated by law or otherwise intentionally arising from state action

Note: De jure segregation is illegal.

2
: separate confinement of prisoners within a penal institution
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