Shinto

noun

Shin·​to ˈshin-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce Shinto (audio)
: the indigenous religion of Japan consisting chiefly in the cultic devotion to deities of natural forces and veneration of the Emperor as a descendant of the sun goddess
Shinto adjective
Shintoism noun
Shintoist noun or adjective
Shintoistic adjective

Examples of Shinto in a Sentence

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.
Spirited Away Steeped in a mixture of Shinto and Buddhist lore, Spirited Away is a mesmerizing affair, and one that firmly established Studio Ghibli's reputation outside of Japan (winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature will do that). Matt Kamen, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2023 Each gate is donated by individuals and businesses, a tradition that has lasted for centuries to honor Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity, among other things. Natalie Stoclet, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 Orochi’s conduct earned him the disdain of even the Shinto trickster god, Susanoo, who formed a plan of revenge. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2024 The philosophy and magic of Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli Studio Ghibli movies celebrate the natural world using a very Japanese mixture of Shinto, Buddhist, and Daoist themes. Big Think, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for Shinto 

Word History

Etymology

Japanese shintō

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Shinto was in 1727

Dictionary Entries Near Shinto

Cite this Entry

“Shinto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Shinto. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Shinto

noun
Shin·​to ˈshin-tō How to pronounce Shinto (audio)
: a religion native to Japan

More from Merriam-Webster on Shinto

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!