Darwinism

American  

[dahr-wuh-niz-uhm] / ˈdɑr wəˌnɪz əm /

noun

1. the Darwinian theory that species originate by descent, with variation, from parent forms, through the natural selection of those individuals best adapted for the reproductive success of their kind.

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Darwinism British  

/ ˈdɑːwɪˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the theory of the origin of animal and plant species by evolution through a process of natural selection Compare Lamarckism See also Neo-Darwinism

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Darwinism Scientific  

/ där′wĭ-nĭz′əm /

1. A theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin and others, stating that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce. Darwin's ideas have been refined and modified by subsequent researchers, but his theories still form the foundation of the scientific understanding of the evolution of life. Darwinism is often contrasted with another theory of biological evolution called Lamarckism, based on the now-discredited ideas of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.

2. See Note at evolution

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Other Word Forms

• Darwinist noun
• Darwinistic adjective
• Darwinite noun
• anti-Darwinism noun
• anti-Darwinist noun
• pro-Darwinism noun

Etymology

Origin of Darwinism

First recorded in 1855–60; Darwin + -ism

Example Sentences

These predators practice unfettered instant Darwinism while lobbing macho boasts at each other in the extraterrestrial version of dialogue written for professional wrestlers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

Neo-Malthusian refers to the concepts of economist Thomas Malthus, who argued against human overpopulation in the 18th century; social Darwinism is a misapplication of biologist Charles Darwin’s evolutionary theory to validate conservative social hierarchies.

From Salon • Dec. 2, 2024

They advance a "thick" conception of Darwinism, where the scientific, ethical, and political dimensions are understood to be intertwined and constitute Darwinism's full meaning.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2024

Does anyone even remember he trashed Darwinism in his last published book, 2015’s “Kingdom of Speech”?

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2023

Huxley was evolution’s public champion, still fighting for Darwinism.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman