journalism

noun

jour·​nal·​ism ˈjər-nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce journalism (audio)
1
a
: the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media
b
: the public press
c
: an academic study concerned with the collection and editing of news or the management of a news medium
2
a
: writing designed for publication in a newspaper or magazine
b
: writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation
c
: writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest

Examples of journalism in a Sentence

She plans to major in journalism when she goes to college.
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.
But there’s an argument that gaining scale could strengthen the quality of journalism. — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026 America’s penny press transformed journalism in the 1830s, using hoaxes, sensationalism, and mass circulation to create a blueprint for modern media. — Big Think, 4 Aug. 2026 Patients and caregivers were siloed from the people doing the work, and journalism could close that gap. — Sue Peschin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Mosley enrolled there in 1948, intending to study English and journalism. — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for journalism

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of journalism was in 1791

Phrases Containing journalism

Rhymes for journalism

See All Rhymes for journalism

Browse Nearby Words

journal intime
journalism
journalist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Journalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/journalism. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

journalism

noun
jour·​nal·​ism ˈjərn-ᵊl-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce journalism (audio)
1
: the collecting and editing of news to be presented online, in newspapers or magazines, or over television or radio
2
: writing designed for or characteristic of newspapers or magazines
journalistic
ˌjərn-ᵊl-ˈis-tik
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on journalism

Nglish: Translation of journalism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about journalism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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