denomination

noun

de·​nom·​i·​na·​tion di-ˌnä-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce denomination (audio)
1
: an act of denominating
the denomination of prices in U.S. dollars
2
: a value or size of a series of values or sizes
metric denominations
especially : the value of a particular coin or bill
bills in $20 and $50 denominations
3
: name, designation
especially : a general name for a category
listed under the general denomination of gifts
4
: a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices
people from several different Christian denominations
denominational adjective
denominationally adverb

Examples of denomination in a Sentence

People from several different religious denominations participated in the event. Methodists, Baptists, and other Christian denominations. It's one of the more conservative denominations. The kidnappers asked for bills in small denominations. The gift certificates are available in $5 and $10 denominations. She spoke with people of many different political denominations.
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.
About an hour later, 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost emerged on the central balcony of the basilica in Vatican City as the new leader of the world’s largest Christian denomination — wearing the white papal cassock for the first time and choking back tears. Mariel Padilla, Them., 8 May 2025 He was known for his openness to engaging in interfaith dialogue between Catholics and other denominations, an effort that’s also been reflected between various religious groups in Miami. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025 Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple Location: 505 E. Third St. | Find on Google Maps The Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple is a part of the Shinshu Otani-ha sect of Buddhism, one of the oldest and most popular denominations in Japan. Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 1 May 2025 Francis was a bridge builder, seeking to work with all faiths and denominations. Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for denomination

Word History

Etymology

see denominate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of denomination was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Denomination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denomination. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

denomination

noun
de·​nom·​i·​na·​tion di-ˌnäm-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce denomination (audio)
1
: an act of denominating
2
: one of a series of related values each having a special name
a $5 bill represents one denomination of U.S. money
3
: name entry 1 sense 1, designation
especially : a general name for a class of things
4
: a religious body made up of a number of congregations with similar beliefs
denominational
-shnəl How to pronounce denomination (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on denomination

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!