Orientalism

[awr-ee-en-tl-iz-uh m, ohr-]

noun (often lowercase)

a peculiarity or idiosyncrasy of the peoples of Asia, especially the East.
the character or characteristics of the peoples of Asia, especially the East.
the knowledge and study of Asian, especially Eastern languages, literature, etc.

Origin of Orientalism

First recorded in 1760–70; oriental + -ism

Related formsO·ri·en·tal·ist, nounan·ti-O·ri·en·tal·ism, nounan·ti-O·ri·en·tal·ist, noun, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for orientalism

Contemporary Examples of orientalism

The last section, “Orientalism,” is exquisite and gilded, with golden-hued floral wallpaper.
What Drives Fashion Designer Dries Van Noten
Sarah Moroz
March 4, 2014
Brad Gooch on how the ghost of Edward Said's 'Orientalism' haunts the work.
Marina Warner’s Stranger Magic Reconsiders the Arabian Nights
Brad Gooch
March 25, 2012
Orientalism was the equivalent of an academic beach book during in the summer of 1979—a “cult bible,” says Warner.
Marina Warner’s Stranger Magic Reconsiders the Arabian Nights
Brad Gooch
March 25, 2012

Historical Examples of orientalism

A specimen of this ‘orientalism’ we gave in our last number.
The Knickerbocker, or New-York Monthly Magazine, May 1844
Various
Then he was ushered into the cabin, that was replete with Orientalism as well.
A Little Girl in Old Salem
Amanda Minnie Douglas
They show considerable freedom of invention and a large fund of Orientalism.
The Library
Andrew Lang
He struck his hands together, a bit of orientalism he had brought back with him.
The Place of Honeymoons
Harold MacGrath
The capitals are of somewhat composite order, with a leaning to Orientalism.
The Cathedral Builders
Leader Scott

British Dictionary definitions for orientalism

Orientalism

noun

knowledge of or devotion to the Orient
an Oriental quality, style, or trait

Derived FormsOrientalist, nounOrientalistic, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for orientalism

Orientalism

in reference to character, style, trait, or idiom felt to be from the Orient, 1769, from oriental + -ism. Related: Orientalist.