patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈä-tik How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
 chiefly British  ˌpa-
1
: inspired by patriotism
stirring patriotic songs
patriotic organizations
patriotic feelings
2
: befitting or characteristic of a patriot
patriotically
ˌpā-trē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
 chiefly British  ˌpa-
adverb

Examples of patriotic in a Sentence

A patriotic fervor swept the country. hanging a flag outside one's home is a patriotic gesture
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In Israel, Druze communities, comprising less than 2% of the population, tend to be patriotic and serve in the military, as Rashed did. Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025 Some are mindful of wartime censorship, while others are patriotic or wish to present themselves as such to the stranger calling them. Gerard Toal, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2025 Canadians, being patriotic, like most peoples, rallied around their government, which is now in the hands of Liberals. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 12 Mar. 2025 Using tariffs in a strategic way as part of industrial policy and as part of trade enforcement absolutely can be patriotic. Charlotte Alter, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for patriotic

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriotic was in 1737

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Cite this Entry

“Patriotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriotic. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

patriotic

adjective
pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈät-ik How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
1
: having or showing patriotism
2
: suitable or proper for a patriot
patriotically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on patriotic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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