1
a
: the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media
b
: the public press
c
: an academic study concerned with the collection and editing of news or the management of a news medium
2
a
: writing designed for publication in a newspaper or magazine
b
: writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation
c
: writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest

Examples of journalism in a Sentence

She plans to major in journalism when she goes to college.
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.
Over time, there has been a wealth of investigative journalism making plain that the security establishment ignored clear warnings of peril from mid-level intelligence officers and other sources. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026 The Social Reckoning is at its core an old-school shoe-leather journalism thriller. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 7 Oct. 2026 Like other journalism organizations, however, Fox News is navigating a world in which a new crop of reporters has grown accustomed to talking to followers via social media in less formal ways. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 After graduating from Torrance High, Claire earned a degree in journalism from San José State in 1957 before taking his first newspaper job. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for journalism

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of journalism was in 1791

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Journalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/journalism. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: the collecting and editing of news to be presented online, in newspapers or magazines, or over television or radio
2
: writing designed for or characteristic of newspapers or magazines
journalistic
ˌjərn-ᵊl-ˈis-tik
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on journalism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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