1. Plural of ism; distinctive doctrines, beliefs, or systems, especially political or philosophical ones.
Usage: Often used to refer to ideologies or movements (e.g., capitalism, socialism, feminism).
2. Plural of ism; characteristic or distinctive practices, styles, or mannerisms.
Usage: Informal usage referring to quirks or peculiar habits.

Examples

• The course examines various political isms throughout history.
• She studied different artistic isms from Impressionism to Cubism.
• The debate centered on competing economic isms.
• His isms and eccentricities made him memorable to his students.
• Modern society is shaped by numerous conflicting isms.
• The museum displayed works representing different isms of the 20th century.