Judaism

noun

Ju·​da·​ism ˈjü-dē-ˌi-zəm  ˈjü-də-  ˈjü-(ˌ)dā- 

 British also  ˈjü-ˌdi-zəm

1

: a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews and characterized by belief in one transcendent God who has revealed himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions

2

: the cultural, social, and religious beliefs and practices of the Jews

3

: conformity to Jewish rites, ceremonies, and practices

4

: the whole body of Jews : the Jewish people

Examples of Judaism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This dilemma hits very close to home for me, as someone who was raised in Orthodox Judaism, no longer identifies as Orthodox, but still finds lots to value in the religious tradition. —Sigal Samuel, Vox, 20 Oct. 2024

Jacobson is also a prolific writer and commentator on current events, and on Judaism in the United Kingdom; he’s spoken out against Brexit, and raised concerns about antisemitism in Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party. —Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024

Because these people who are loving the show have to love some aspect of Judaism. —Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Oct. 2024

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement in the Jewish faith and is considered the holiest of Judaism's two High Holy Days — the other is Rosh Hashanah, the New Year celebration. —Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Judaism

• anti-Judaism
• Conservative Judaism
• Orthodox Judaism
• Reform Judaism

Kids Definition

Judaism

noun

Ju·​da·​ism ˈjüd-ə-ˌiz-əm  ˈjüd-ē- 

1

: a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews that stresses belief in one God and faithfulness to the laws of the Torah

2

: the beliefs and practices of the Jews

Judaic

jü-ˈdā-ik

adjective