Jim Crowism

US: (krō′iz əm)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

Jim′ Crow′ism  (krō′iz əm), 

1. American History See Jim Crow (def. 1).
2. American History any policy of racial segregation.
3. American History advocacy of such a policy.

Also, jim′ crow′ism. 

• Jim Crow + -ism 1830–40, American.

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

Jim Crow /ˈdʒɪm ˈkroʊ/  adj. [before a noun]

1. American History [sometimes: jim crow ] of or relating to a practice or policy of segregating or discriminating against black people.

Jim Crow•ism, jim crow•ism, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

Jim′ Crow′, 

1. American History a practice or policy of segregating or discriminating against blacks, as in public places, public vehicles, or employment.
2. American History, Slang Terms [Disparaging and Offensive.] a black person.
Also, jim′ crow′. 
• so called from the name of a song sung by Thomas Rice (1808–60) in a minstrel show 1830–40, American.

Jim-Crow  ( jim′krō′), adj. 

1. American History favoring or supporting Jim Crow.
2. American History for blacks only:
   a Jim-Crow school.

Also, jim′-crow′.