1
a
: the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media
b
: the public press
c
: an academic study concerned with the collection and editing of news or the management of a news medium
2
a
: writing designed for publication in a newspaper or magazine
b
: writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation
c
: writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest

Examples of journalism in a Sentence

She plans to major in journalism when she goes to college.
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.
An activist and political organizer Beyond journalism, Steinem was an activist and political organizer. Juliana Kim, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026 The staffers of the Truth Teller start the second season pumped with enthusiasm after their winning night at an Ohio journalism awards ceremony. Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Steinem would eventually help launch New York magazine in 1968, but the limitations placed on her journalism helped push her toward activism. Spin Staff, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026 The show features Lovett and a panel of guests from the worlds of politics, comedy, journalism and business discussing and poking fun at the news of the week. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for journalism

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of journalism was in 1791

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

1
: the collecting and editing of news to be presented online, in newspapers or magazines, or over television or radio
2
: writing designed for or characteristic of newspapers or magazines
journalistic
ˌjərn-ᵊl-ˈis-tik
adjective

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