intersectionality
noun
in·ter·sec·tion·al·i·ty
ˌin-tər-ˌsek-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 
: the complex, cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine, overlap, or intersect especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups
[Kimberlé] Crenshaw introduced the theory of intersectionality, the idea that when it comes to thinking about how inequalities persist, categories like gender, race, and class are best understood as overlapping and mutually constitutive rather than isolated and distinct.—
Adia Harvey Wingfield
Adia Harvey WingfieldExamples of intersectionality in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The coining of the term ‘intersectionality’ by Dr Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989 came specifically from her analysis of how Black women in legal contexts are penalised by gender discrimination and race discrimination being seen as separate.
—Jessy Parker Humphreys, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
In terms of intersectionality, only one film was led or co-led by a woman of color (King), while five films featured an underrepresented man in a lead or co-lead role.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025
Social justice media company Never Whisper Justice sophomore film arrives as a visual anthology on the expansiveness of Black womanhood and how the corners of intersectionality can bring us all closer to the edge of a new beginning.
—Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
With a focus on intersectionality, audiences are broken into smaller groups and asked questions about their respective identities and learned experiences.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intersectionality 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jessy Parker Humphreys, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
In terms of intersectionality, only one film was led or co-led by a woman of color (King), while five films featured an underrepresented man in a lead or co-lead role.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025
Social justice media company Never Whisper Justice sophomore film arrives as a visual anthology on the expansiveness of Black womanhood and how the corners of intersectionality can bring us all closer to the edge of a new beginning.
—Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
With a focus on intersectionality, audiences are broken into smaller groups and asked questions about their respective identities and learned experiences.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intersectionality
Dictionary Entries Near intersectionality
Cite this Entry
“Intersectionality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersectionality. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share