English · Word Candidate

sexism

/ˈsɛksɪzm̩/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: sexisms

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The belief that people of one sex (or gender) are inherently different from those of another sex, and generally that one sex is superior to others.

Noun

Examples

The notion that either gender is superior is sexism.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Discrimination against, or different treatment of, people on the basis of sex or gender, including the expectation that people should adhere to stereotypical social roles (gender roles) based on sex; (in particular, especially) discrimination against women.

Noun

Examples

The fact that there is only one woman in a management position in that company makes it easy to believe that sexism runs rampant there.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “sexism” mean?

The belief that people of one sex (or gender) are inherently different from those of another sex, and generally that one sex is superior to others.

Is “sexism” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.