Catholicism

noun

Ca·​thol·​i·​cism kə-ˈthä-lə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce Catholicism (audio)
1
2
: the faith, practice, or system of Catholic Christianity

Examples of Catholicism 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.
Almost all mainline Christian faiths have seen precipitous drops in the pews, but the smaller presence of Catholicism is particularly evident in Milwaukee, where Catholic churches historically have anchored neighborhoods and acted as virtual community centers. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 4 Nov. 2024 The annual tradition is infused in Mesoamerican culture and Catholicism. Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 Ultimately, the tradition would merge with Spanish Catholicism’s celebrations of All Saints’ Day Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day Nov. 2. Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024 Vance was also making a personal turn to Catholicism. Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Catholicism 

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Catholicism was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near Catholicism

Cite this Entry

“Catholicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Catholicism. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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!