religion

noun

re·​li·​gion ri-ˈli-jən How to pronounce religion (audio)
1
: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
2
a(1)
: the service and worship of God or the supernatural
(2)
: commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
b
: the state of a religious
a nun in her 20th year of religion
3
: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
4
archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
religionless adjective

Examples of religion in a Sentence

Many people turn to religion for comfort in a time of crisis. There are many religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Shinto is a religion that is unique to Japan. Hockey is a religion in Canada. Politics are a religion to him. Where I live, high school football is religion. Food is religion in this house.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Besides working from home more often, U.S. adults are also staying inside more to do other outside-the-home activities, like practicing religion, eating, and drinking. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 4 Nov. 2024 Simone’s anger and frustration transcend race, nationality, religion, any boundaries, to just be a plea for humanity. Steve Baltin, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Other religions and cultures treat that as a possibility. Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Nov. 2024 All major religions, from Christianity to Islam to Judaism, have central teachings about the need to welcome strangers and show hospitality to migrants. Alex Rivera, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for religion 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of religion was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near religion

Cite this Entry

“Religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

religion

noun
re·​li·​gion ri-ˈlij-ən How to pronounce religion (audio)
1
a
: the service and worship of God or the supernatural
b
: belief in or devotion to religious faith or observance
c
: the state of a person in the religious life
a nun in her 20th year of religion
2
: a set or system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and ways of doing things
3
: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held with faith and strong feeling

More from Merriam-Webster on religion

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