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Synonyms

patriotism

American  
[pey-tree-uh-tiz-uhm, pa-] / ˈpeɪ tri əˌtɪz əm, ˈpæ- /

noun

  1. devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty.


patriotism British  
/ ˈpætrɪəˌtɪzəm /

noun

  1. devotion to one's own country and concern for its defence Compare nationalism

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of patriotism

First recorded in 1720–30; patriot + -ism

Explanation

If you're full of patriotism, you're full of love for your country. Patriotism is associated with serving your country and waving the flag. There are, actually, a lot of ways to demonstrate your patriotism. Waving the flag is an obvious way, but anything that celebrates your country or makes it stronger is a great display of patriotism. Whenever a country is at war, people are more vocal about their patriotism, playing patriotic songs and making speeches full of national pride. Showing patriotism is so important that politicians will argue with each other about who really has more patriotism.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing patriotism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Section 2 comes out of one of the most poignant exemplars of patriotism and love of country I can point to in our history.

From Slate • Apr. 30, 2026

He emphasised building a new system rooted in sovereignty, patriotism and revolutionary mobilisation, with traditional leaders and grassroots structures playing a central role.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

For the rest of us, a culture of national service beyond the military is essential to a healthy patriotism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The 59-year-old rode to election victory last month on a wave of patriotism stemming from the border conflict with Cambodia that killed scores on both sides last year and displaced more than one million people.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

I look around at smiles and tears of joy as voices in dozens of different accents declare their patriotism.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins