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 point of this closing demonstration seems to be that mature capitalism recapitulates its original sin with every new generation. Benjamin Kunkel, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 The most influential depiction of the Fall outside of the Bible is in John Milton’s Paradise Lost, which depicts Satan-as-the-serpent as an eloquent charmer who gently persuades Eve to commit the transgression known as original sin, which tarnishes humanity in perpetuity. Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025 This is just the latest attempt from Google and its partners to address Android's original sin. Ryan Whitwam, Ars Technica, 25 Feb. 2025 Perhaps the original sin is Valya’s, given the burning vendetta that has brought her to the Bene Gesserit, but not before losing her beloved brother to a tragedy the family cannot bring itself to forgive. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 8 Dec. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Original sin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/original%20sin. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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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