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religion

American  

[ri-lij-uhn] / rɪˈlɪdʒ ən /

noun

religions plural

1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.

   the Christian religion;

   the Buddhist religion.

3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.

   a world council of religions.

4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc..

   to enter religion.

5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience.

   to make a religion of fighting prejudice.

7. Archaic. religions, religious rites.

   painted priests performing religions deep into the night.

8. Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion.

   a religion to one's vow.

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idioms

1. get religion,

   1. to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.

   2. to resolve to mend one's errant ways.

      The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.

religion British  

/ rɪˈlɪdʒən /

noun

1. belief in, worship of, or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny

2. any formal or institutionalized expression of such belief

   the Christian religion

3. the attitude and feeling of one who believes in a transcendent controlling power or powers

4. RC Church the way of life determined by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience entered upon by monks, friars, and nuns

   to enter religion

5. something of overwhelming importance to a person

   football is his religion

6. archaic

   1. the practice of sacred ritual observances

   2. sacred rites and ceremonies

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religion More Idioms  

1. see get religion.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonreligion
  noun
• subreligion
  noun
• antireligion
  adjective
• religionless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• religions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of religion

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English religioun, from Old French religion or directly from Latin religiōn- (stem of religiō “conscientiousness, piety,” equivalent to relig(āre) “to tie, fasten” ( re- re- + ligāre “to bind, tie”; cf. ligament) + -iōn- -ion; cf. rely

Explanation

Religion has two related meanings: it’s the belief that one or more divine beings are responsible for the fate of all human life, and it’s also an organization where people of a specific religion can express their beliefs. Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam: these are examples of religions, and millions around the world follow the principles defined by their chosen faith. The Latin root religio means “to bind,” and religion binds people together not just by their practices, but also by their ideas. Most religions have their own story about the creation of the universe, and each has a different explanation for the meaning of life, which is a source of comfort for a religion’s followers.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

religion religions

The move rekindled a long-running debate over food and religion in the world's most populous country, with critics accusing the government of trying to turn schoolchildren vegetarian.

From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026

He hosted a video podcast, “Interesting Times,” for the New York Times opinion section which explored religion and politics.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

The students' protest has resonated with a large section of middle-class India, cutting across identities of religion, caste or sectors, with people voicing anger about the lack of educational opportunities and jobs in India.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026

Specializing in a stodgy subject like religion, the military or law enforcement—especially if one has anything positive to say—is as unfashionable as flaunting a fur coat.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026

By the eleventh century CE, Christianity in the form of Catholicism was the dominant religion in Europe, and church leaders held a great deal of political power.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

“I do not judge, but support all races, religions, sexual preferences and gender equity,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

Brian Somers, an assistant professor of Buddhist studies at Seoul's Dongguk University, said religions have always adapted as younger followers replace older ones.

From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026

In 2025, the state government first introduced a broader bill covering the holy scriptures of several religions, but it was referred to a committee of lawmakers for further scrutiny.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

Quite a few religions were considered cults in the beginning, Christianity among them, so it does make some sense not to wade too deeply into the finer distinctions.

From Salon ● Jun. 25, 2026

We were all part of the same country last month, all these different people and religions living together.

From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani

Related Words

• church
• creed
• cult
• denomination
• doctrine
• morality
• myth
• mythology
• prayer
• ritual
• sect
• spirituality
• superstition
• theology