segregation
noun
seg·re·ga·tion
ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən 
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
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
In the weeds: In 2017, Charlotte civic leaders responded to that 2014 ranking by publishing a 92-page report looking at root causes, including early child care and education, child and family stability, segregation and more.
—
Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 6 Aug. 2024
Occupational segregation The data paints an incredibly favorable employment landscape for Black workers; however, many disparities continue to persist, said Valerie Wilson, a labor economist and director of the Economic Policy Institute’s EPI Action advocacy nonprofit.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 4 Aug. 2024
Even so, they were frequently barred from Marfa’s theaters, churches, barbershops and other spaces that white residents visited via de facto segregation.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 July 2024
The 1964 Civil Rights Act that ended segregation in public accommodations passed after Southern opponents waged, over 75 days, the longest (543 hours) filibuster in Senate history.
—George F. Will, Washington Post, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for segregation 
Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 6 Aug. 2024
Occupational segregation The data paints an incredibly favorable employment landscape for Black workers; however, many disparities continue to persist, said Valerie Wilson, a labor economist and director of the Economic Policy Institute’s EPI Action advocacy nonprofit.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 4 Aug. 2024
Even so, they were frequently barred from Marfa’s theaters, churches, barbershops and other spaces that white residents visited via de facto segregation.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 July 2024
The 1964 Civil Rights Act that ended segregation in public accommodations passed after Southern opponents waged, over 75 days, the longest (543 hours) filibuster in Senate history.
—George F. Will, Washington Post, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for segregation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'segregation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near segregation
Cite this Entry
“Segregation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/segregation. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
segregation
noun
seg·re·ga·tion
ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən
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
: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis
Legal Definition
segregation
noun
seg·re·ga·tion
ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən
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
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