Jainism

noun

Jain·​ism ˈjī-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce Jainism (audio)
ˈjā-
: a religion of India originating in the sixth century b.c. and teaching liberation of the soul by right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct

Examples of Jainism in a Sentence

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 Wikipedia entry on the Golden Rule cites variations of this basic ethic from Egyptian, Sanskrit, Tamil, Persian, Roman, and Yoruba texts, from the three Abrahamic religions, as well as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and so on. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 22 Nov. 2024 From the commemoration of King Rama’s return to his kingdom after defeating Ravana to the reverence of Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and prosperity, various sects of Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism commune in ceremony. Prinita Thevarajah, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 The five-day-long celebration is observed by multiple faiths including Hindu, Sikhism, and Jainism and signifies the end of the year according to the Hindu calendar. Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 31 Oct. 2024 Although Sri-Lakshmi’s association with the lotus is most obvious, the religious traditions of Jainism and Buddhism also integrate the bloom. Archana Venkatesan, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Jainism was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near Jainism

Cite this Entry

“Jainism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Jainism. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Jainism

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!