west·ern·ism \-ˌnizəm\noun (-s) Usage: often capitalized 1. a.: a locution or pronunciation characteristic of a western region and especially of the western United States b.: an attitude or trait characteristic of a westerner 2. a.: a western institution or concept < the Japanese took over the forms of westernism, including a constitution and a parliament — Nathaniel Peffer > b.: adherence to or advocacy of western traditions and techniques