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
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.
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 In a society that privileged religion, women were also casualties of biblical interpretations that emphasized their original sin: Eve over Deborah, Jezebel over Sarah. Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2020 That’s arguably true as a question of history, though increasingly embracing a narrative of secular original sin is part of what’s put the Democratic Party in this hole in the first place. Harry Siegel, New York Daily News, 20 July 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 21 Nov. 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

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!