commandment

noun

com·​mand·​ment kə-ˈman(d)-mənt How to pronounce commandment (audio)
1
: the act or power of commanding
2
: something that is commanded
especially : one of the biblical Ten Commandments

Examples of commandment in a Sentence

the Ten Commandments in the Bible the boss left behind a list of commandments for running the office while he was away
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Reward: Indulgence For those pilgrims following the Catholic church’s commandments for the 2025 Jubilee, there are spiritual rewards that include the granting of indulgences. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 Instead, the business of erecting cities operates by a different commandment: Make buildings efficient. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 12 Dec. 2024 The inscription on the slab closely mirrors the Biblical verses recognized in both Christian and Jewish traditions but notably omits the third commandment prohibiting the misuse of the Lord's name. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 Medieval rabbinic discussions of the latter line underscore the divided thinking: one rabbi worries that converts will influence other Jews to become lax in their observance of God’s commandments; others fear that Jews will inevitably mistreat converts and suffer God’s punishment for it. Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for commandment 

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of commandment was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near commandment

Cite this Entry

“Commandment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commandment. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

commandment

noun
com·​mand·​ment kə-ˈman(d)-mənt How to pronounce commandment (audio)
: something commanded
especially : one of the biblical Ten Commandments

More from Merriam-Webster on commandment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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