inclusion

noun

in·​clu·​sion in-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce inclusion (audio)
1
: the act of including : the state of being included
2
: something that is included: such as
a
: a gaseous, liquid, or solid foreign body enclosed in a mass (as of a mineral)
b
: a passive usually temporary product of cell activity (such as a starch grain) within the cytoplasm or nucleus
3
: the act or practice of including students with disabilities with the general student population
Inclusion refers to a variety of integration approaches, but the goal is to blend special education students into the traditional classroom.Suevon Lee
sometimes used before a noun
an inclusion classroom/school
4
: the act or practice of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (as because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability)
… academic libraries have traditionally struggled to address problems of equity, diversity and inclusion. The low representation of people of color in library staff has been a particular shortcoming, despite many initiatives to attract minority staff to the field.Lindsay McKenzie
Tech workers say they are more interested in diversity and are more willing to work to promote inclusion in their workplace …Jessica Guynn
Meaningful civic inclusion even now eludes many of our fellow citizens who are recognizably of African descent.Glenn C. Loury
5
mathematics : a relation between two classes (see class sense 3c) that exists when all members of the first class are also members of the second compare membership sense 3
inclusionary adjective

Examples of inclusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The inclusion of this phone call (published on Oct. 24, 2023) plays like a late-in-the-game addition, and appears to lack the diligent planning and detailing of the movie’s other segments. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 9 Mar. 2024 And the resignation of Harvard’s first Black president amid allegations of plagiarism and antisemitism on campus has been claimed as a victory by critics intent on dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in academia and the private sector. Emma Kumer, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 Last year, four high-ranking Hollywood diversity, equity and inclusion executives—all women—left their roles within a ten day period, sparking worry that a traditionally homogenous sector of the industry was moving backward. Ellie Austin, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2024 The inclusion of the term indicates Xi’s desire to promote the high-tech and green industries of the future and push the country ahead in the global race for critical technologies. Laura He, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 One Democrat ultimately opposed the spending legislation because of the inclusion of that policy. Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 The police murder of George Floyd led to a wave of diversity, equity, & inclusion (DEI) programs, which have since been under attack. Essence, 8 Mar. 2024 She’s also been named an ambassador for Save the Children and has been an advocate for inclusion. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 While breaking enthusiasts acknowledge the opportunity the Olympics provide young dancers, some consider breaking’s inclusion in the Games bittersweet. Sean Gregory, TIME, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inclusion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin inclusion-, inclusio, from includere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inclusion was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near inclusion

Cite this Entry

“Inclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inclusion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inclusion

noun
in·​clu·​sion in-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce inclusion (audio)
1
: the act of including : the state of being included
2
: something that is included

Medical Definition

inclusion

noun
in·​clu·​sion in-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce inclusion (audio)
: something that is included
especially : a passive usually temporary product of cell activity (as a starch grain) within the cytoplasm or nucleus
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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