white supremacy

American  

[hwahyt suh-prem-uh-see, wahyt] / ˈhwaɪt səˈprɛm ə si, ˈwaɪt /

noun

1. the belief, theory, or doctrine that white people are inherently superior to people from all other racial and ethnic groups, especially Black people, and are therefore rightfully the dominant group in any society.

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White supremacy British  

noun

1. the theory or belief that White people are innately superior to people of other races

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Other Word Forms

• White supremacist noun
• white supremacist noun

Etymology

Origin of white supremacy

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

The biography is strengthened by Boggs’ discovery of previously unpublished writings in Baldwin’s papers, shaping a book that explores how Baldwin “forced readers to confront the connections between white supremacy, masculinity, and sexuality.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

A mature and serious understanding of racism and white supremacy focuses on actual outcomes, public policies, impact, structures, and institutions that unfairly privilege and advantage white people over non-whites.

From Salon • Sep. 24, 2024

These were key aspects of the abolitionists’ post–Civil War effort to banish white supremacy from all levels of governance.

From Slate • May 23, 2024

King was removed from his committee assignments after lamenting that white supremacy and white nationalism had become offensive terms.

From Seattle Times • May 13, 2024

African nationalism was our battle cry, and our creed was the creation of one nation out of many tribes, the overthrow of white supremacy, and the establishment of a truly democratic form of government.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela