intersectional

adjective

in·​ter·​sec·​tion·​al ˌin-tər-ˈsek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce intersectional (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to intersectionality
Because the intersectional experience is greater than the sum of racism and sexism, any analysis that does not take intersectionality into account cannot sufficiently address the particular manner in which Black women are subordinated.Kimberlé Crenshaw
b
: involving members of multiple social categories
… I was near my home, in the midst of a multiracial, multigenerational, intersectional protest. I joined hundreds of others in the streets.Kira Banks
2
[inter- + sectional entry 1] : existing between sections
intersectional war
an intersectional game
3
: of or relating to an intersection
intersectional joints/lines

Examples of intersectional in a Sentence

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.
Their teachers see them not as representatives of intersectional identities but as unique individuals, each with his or her own heritages, curiosities, and passions—each child to be cherished and known. Steven F. Wilson, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026 The tips below apply to herbaceous peonies, the most common peonies, as well as to tree peonies and Itoh or intersectional peonies, a cross between herbaceous peonies and tree peonies. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026 Contemporary romantic comedies undoubtedly reflect our times back to us, and can do so with greater inclusivity and intersectional awareness than a historically accurate Austen adaptation ever could, to be sure. Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026 Employment data shows continued volatility among women, particularly intersectional groups, well past the pandemic recovery. Katica Roy, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intersectional

Word History

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of intersectional was in 1752

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intersectional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/intersectional. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster