Nolan chart

noun

A two-dimensional chart that graphs the political spectrum, mapping cultural issues on one axis and economic issues on another axis to represent conservatism, libertarianism, and their opposites.

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Meanings

nounNolan chart (plural Nolan charts)

plural Nolan charts

  1. A two-dimensional chart that graphs the political spectrum, mapping cultural issues on one axis and economic issues on another axis to represent conservatism, libertarianism, and their opposites.

Origin

Created by American politician David Nolan in 1969.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Nolan chart. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Nolan%20chart

MLA

“Nolan chart.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Nolan%20chart. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Nolan chart,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Nolan%20chart.

Source: Nolan chart on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.