Christian

1 of 2

noun

Chris·​tian ˈkris-chən 

ˈkrish-

1

a

: one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ

b(1)

: disciple sense 2

(2)

: a member of one of the Churches of Christ separating from the Disciples of Christ in 1906

(3)

: a member of the Christian denomination having part in the union of the United Church of Christ concluded in 1961

2

: the hero in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress

Christian

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: of or relating to Christianity

Christian scriptures

b

: based on or conforming with Christianity

Christian ethics

2

a

: of, relating to, or being a Christian

Christian responsibilities

b

: professing Christianity

a Christian affirmation

a Christian country

3

: treating other people in a kind or generous way

has a very Christian concern for others

Christianly adjective or adverb

Examples of Christian in a Sentence

Adjective

Many of my friends are Christian.

He showed a very Christian concern for others.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the Luka Doncic deal, the Lakers were left with just Jaxson Hayes, Christian Koloko, and Trey Jemison III as potential center options. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 9 Feb. 2025

Proving that every aspect of the beauty look for Christian Cowan’s A/W ‘25 runway was wholly intentional. —Kayla Greaves, Essence, 9 Feb. 2025

Adjective

Rome celebrates its Jubilee year throughout 2025, and more than 30 million Christian pilgrims are expected to flock to the Eternal City's holy sites. —Roger Sands, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

From casual lunch spots to upscale restaurants, Metro Detroit's food scene embraces the Christian tradition of serving fish on Fridays. —Joe Guillen, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Latin christianus, adjective & noun, from Greek christianos, from Christos — see Christ

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Phrases Containing Christian

• anti-Christian
• Christian Brother
• Christian era
• Christian name
• Christian nationalism
• Christian nationalist
• Christian Science
• Judeo-Christian
• non-Christian
• post-Christian
• pre-Christian
• un-Christian

Rhymes for Christian

• unchristian

Kids Definition

Christian

1 of 2 noun

Chris·​tian ˈkris-chən 

ˈkrish-

1

: a person who believes in Jesus Christ and follows his teachings

2

: a member of a Christian church

Christian

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of or relating to Jesus Christ or the religion based on his teachings

2

: of or relating to Christians

a Christian nation

3

: being what a Christian should be or do

Christian behavior