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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

In addition to being ideologically divided, young men and women have vastly different beliefs about religion and gender.

From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2026

The exhibition is organized into six themed “chambers” devoted to Gothic horror, psychological horror, science, slashers, religion and ghosts, with settings ranging from a shadowy crypt to a killer’s house and a haunted living room.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

The state and church controlled where and how they lived, the type of schooling for children, the language they spoke, and how they could practice their culture, religion and traditional livelihoods, it said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026

But when the law was passed, state minister Pankaj Bhoyar said it did not infringe upon the right to change religion.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

Family, culture, race, religion, wealth, and education can all affect your social status, even in a society that makes an effort to ignore these things.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

While the law applies to all religions, the anxiety is being felt most deeply at places where minorities, especially Christians, worship.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

The reasons relationships succeed or fail can vary greatly across cultures, religions, socioeconomic circumstances, and generations.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 7, 2026

It recognises Protestantism and Catholicism as official religions, but practising organisations must register with the government -- something many Christians feel yields an unacceptable amount of control over church affairs and teachings.

From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

But we all have lived together in this town for so long, I just never thought much about people’s religions before.

From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani

Related Words

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