Black Power

noun

variants or black power
: the mobilization of the political and economic power of Black Americans especially to compel respect for their rights and improve their condition
—often used before another noun
the Black Power movement
Black Power salutes
black power groups/organizations

Examples of Black Power in a Sentence

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.
The first big push for Black people to embrace their natural texture took place during the 1970s as part of the Black Power movement. — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 14 May 2026 Standing for the first time free of coffles on his feet, a man holds his broken chain aloft in a gesture that predates the Black Power fist that would become popular a century after this sculpture was hewn from rock. — Tyehimba Jess, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026 Black communities were staking their claim to power—in the streets, in legislation, in the Black Power movement, and in the proud assertion that Black is beautiful. — Camille Borders, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 Critics interpreted the shirt’s design—a white hand in a posture reminiscent of a Nazi salute raised above a Black Power fist—as symbolizing racial dominance. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Black Power

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Black Power was in 1954

Rhymes for Black Power

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Browse Nearby Words

black powder
Black Power
black prairie
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Cite this Entry

“Black Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Black%20Power. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Black Power

noun
often not capitalized B&P
: the use of the political and economic power of Black Americans especially to achieve racial fairness
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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