original sin

noun

1
: the state of sin that according to Christian theology characterizes all human beings as a result of Adam's fall
2
: a wrong of great magnitude
the original sin of slavery

Examples of original sin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The original sin came in 2008 when the team traded a franchise icon (Chauncey Billups) in the hopes of making one last run with an aging superstar (Allen Iverson) instead of using their greatest trade asset to ignite a rebuild. Mat Issa, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 We had been led to believe this was Sunny’s original sin. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2024 Having spent much of her life being forced to pray for salvation from original sin, Carrie is set free by her unholy skill. Rafaela Bassili, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2024 As usual, the cover-up becomes bigger than the original sin. Brad Templeton, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for original sin 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of original sin was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near original sin

Cite this Entry

“Original sin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/original%20sin. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

original sin

noun
1
: the state of sin that according to Christian teaching all people are born in as a result of Adam's sin in Eden
2
: a very great and significant wrong
the original sin of slavery

More from Merriam-Webster on original sin

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