noun

multiculturalism

mul-tee-KUL-chuh-ruh-liz-uhm

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Multiculturalism (noun) means Multiculturalism is the presence of several different ethnic or national cultures mixing freely within one society, or the policies that encourage this. Example: “The city's multiculturalism is visible in its markets and restaurants.”

noun

Multiculturalism is the presence of several different ethnic or national cultures mixing freely within one society, or the policies that encourage this.

"The city's multiculturalism is visible in its markets and restaurants."

"The government's multiculturalism policy supports minority languages in schools."

"Critics and supporters still argue over the value of multiculturalism."

How to use multiculturalism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDifferent cultures living and mixing together within the same place.

When to use it

A formal term most often heard in political and social discussion rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Remember it names the mixing of cultures itself, or the policy backing it, not just the presence of diverse individuals.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

multicultural →

Common pairings

official multiculturalism embrace multiculturalism multiculturalism policy debate over multiculturalism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “multiculturalism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The city's _____ is visible in its markets and restaurants.

Etymology

The word is built from the adjective multicultural and the suffix -ism, which turns a quality into the name of a state or belief associated with it.

Origin: English

Rhymes for multiculturalism

realism idealism socialism vandalism federalism radicalism capitalism liberalism surrealism journalism materialism cannibalism

See all rhymes for multiculturalism →

Frequently asked questions

What does multiculturalism mean?

It refers to many different ethnic or national cultures existing side by side within a society, or to policies that support that mixing.

Is multiculturalism a policy or just a description?

It can be either: it describes a society with mixed cultures, and it is also used for government policies that actively encourage that coexistence.

What's the opposite idea to multiculturalism?

Monoculturalism, where a society is built around a single dominant culture, is treated as its coordinate opposite.

What is the meaning of multiculturalism?

"multiculturalism" (noun) means multiculturalism is the presence of several different ethnic or national cultures mixing freely within one society, or the policies that encourage this.