religion

noun

re·​li·​gion ri-ˈli-jən 

1

: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices

2

a(1)

: the service and worship of God or the supernatural

(2)

: commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance

b

: the state of a religious

a nun in her 20th year of religion

3

: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

4

archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness

religionless

ri-ˈli-jən-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

• credo
• creed
• cult
• faith
• persuasion

Examples of religion in a Sentence

Many people turn to religion for comfort in a time of crisis.

There are many religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.

Shinto is a religion that is unique to Japan.

Hockey is a religion in Canada.

Politics are a religion to him.

Where I live, high school football is religion.

Food is religion in this house.

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond socioeconomic factors, wealth, religion, or education, the microbiome sharing rate was the strongest predictor of social relationships, the researchers highlighted. —Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. —Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 29 Nov. 2024

Interrupting others, monopolizing the conversation, or steering discussions toward controversial or inappropriate topics—such as politics, religion, or personal critiques—can quickly sour the atmosphere. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

The researchers also hope that the artifact will shed new light on religion in the region during this period. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Phrases Containing religion

• anti-religion
• freedom of religion
• get religion
• organized religion

Kids Definition

religion

noun

re·​li·​gion ri-ˈlij-ən 

1

a

: the service and worship of God or the supernatural

b

: belief in or devotion to religious faith or observance

c

: the state of a person in the religious life

a nun in her 20th year of religion

2

: a set or system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and ways of doing things

3

: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held with faith and strong feeling