: belief in and advocacy of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes expressed especially through organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests
feminism began in the late 1840s with the campaign for women's suffrage in America. The second wave came in the 1960s with the call for women's "liberation" and equality under the law. A third wave in the 1990s was more rebellious than reformist, more anarchically individualistic than disciplined and legalistic. Some think we are in the midst of a fourth wave, sustained by the internet and social media …The Economist (London)

Examples of feminism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Evoking the same do-it-yourself pop-rock feminism of her ’90s musical influences, Olivia Rodrigo raised $20 million for women’s well-being with a benefit show that activated her young audience. James Pollard, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 Yiannopoulos rose to prominence through his provocative statements criticizing political correctness, feminism and Islam. Chris Arnold, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026 Course material analyzes Parton’s relationship with feminism and her aversion to politics, among other topics. Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 27 Aug. 2026 Producer Oliaee goes on to expand this theory, positing that Parton’s decision to embrace conventional femininity has in part inspired third-wave feminism through fandom. Becca James, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for feminism

Word History

Etymology

see feminine entry 1

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of feminism was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Feminism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminism. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: the theory supporting the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
2
: organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests
feminist noun or adjective

Medical Definition

: the presence of female characteristics in males

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