Definition of IDEOLOGY (original) (raw)
1
a
: a manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual, group, or culture
b
: the integrated assertions, theories and aims that constitute a sociopolitical program
c
: a systematic body of concepts especially about human life or culture
Did you know?
Ideology has been in use in English since the end of the 18th century and is one of the few words whose coiner we can identify. The French writer A. L. C. Destutt de Tracy proposed it as a term to designate the “science of ideas,” and in that sense the word was quickly borrowed into English. Though ideology originated as a serious philosophical term, within a few decades it took on connotations of impracticality thanks to Napoleon, who used it in a derisive manner. Such connotations are still present in some contexts, but the word today is largely used neutrally, most often to refer to a systematic body of concepts, and especially to the set of ideas and beliefs held by a particular group or political party.
Synonyms
Examples of ideology in a Sentence
the ideology of a totalitarian society He says that the election is not about ideology.
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.
Stoller’s script eliminates the Old Major character — a mix of Lenin’s and Marx’s ideologies, the warrior boar initiates the uprising against Farmer Jones (Serkis) — and introduces a cutesy-wootsy piglet named Lucky (Gaten Matarazzo) to serve as the audience surrogate. —
Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 June 2025 In the meantime, however, these discriminatory government edicts will continue to violate Coloradans’ rights of free speech and free exercise of religion, and adversely impact the privacy, safety, professional conduct, and even health of those who disagree with the government’s ideology. —Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 7 June 2025 But Minnesota places its ideology over fairness and safety. —Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025 And that’s why any talk of improper ideology in our country sits sideways with me. —Hadley Meares, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ideology
Word History
Etymology
French idéologie, from idéo- ideo- + -logie -logy
First Known Use
1813, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of ideology was in 1813
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Cite this Entry
“Ideology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideology. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
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Last Updated: 14 Jun 2025 - Updated example sentences
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