segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce segregation (audio)
Synonyms of segregationnext
1
: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated
2
a
: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or ethnic group by enforced or voluntary residence in a restricted area, by barriers to social intercourse, by separate educational facilities, or by other discriminatory means
b
: the separation for special treatment or observation of individuals or items from a larger group
segregation of gifted children into accelerated classes
3
: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis

Synonyms of segregation

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Examples of segregation in a Sentence

They fought to end the segregation of public schools. the segregation of men and women
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.
King joined faith leaders and civil rights advocates from across the country to honor those who challenged housing segregation, racial injustice and systemic inequality decades ago. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 In her order, Sykes barred the government from placing detainees in administrative segregation unless doing so was necessary to address a security threat to staff or the facility, or if a detainee requested it. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Celebrated jazzman Masekela, who was forced into exile following the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre for his anti-Apartheid activism, was a seminal figure in the struggle to repeal South Africa’s discriminatory racial segregation rules. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 July 2026 Morrison helped lead the racist white supremacy campaign of 1898 that terrorized Black citizens and led to policies of segregation, The Observer previously reported. — Chase Jordan july 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for segregation

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of segregation was in 1615

Phrases Containing segregation

Rhymes for segregation

See All Rhymes for segregation

Browse Nearby Words

segregated
segregation
segregationist
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Cite this Entry

“Segregation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/segregation. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

segregation

noun
seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce segregation (audio)
1
: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated
2
: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or group (as by restriction to an area or by separate schools)

Medical Definition

segregation

noun
seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce segregation (audio)
: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis

Legal Definition

segregation

noun
seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce segregation (audio)
1
: separation of individuals or groups and especially racial groups compare desegregation
— de facto segregation
: segregation of racial groups that arises as a result of economic, social, or other factors rather than by operation or enforcement of laws or other official state action
— de jure segregation
: segregation intended or mandated by law or otherwise intentionally arising from state action

Note: De jure segregation is illegal.

2
: separate confinement of prisoners within a penal institution

More from Merriam-Webster on segregation

Nglish: Translation of segregation for Spanish Speakers

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