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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

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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

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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

Others suggest he is an empty shell who will become whatever it takes to gain money and power, as evidenced by his constantly shifting attitudes about race and religion.

From Salon ● Oct. 21, 2026

The verdict, Wright says, shattered his belief in both the judicial system and religion.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2026

The relationship between religion and state is also a decisive factor for Tami Giniger, a startup consultant who will fly home from Bangkok to vote.

From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2026

Within a year, the traveling father-son duo suddenly became recognizable throughout America to young people with a growing interest in religion.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

‘Exactly. We barely follow the customs of our religion in our own home, and yet we must shout it out to the whole world?’

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Park explains: "Breathing techniques have accompanied humanity for millennia across various religions and cultures. With this study, we provide scientific proof that it is a reliable and targeted method capable of controlling our decisions."

From Science Daily ● Sep. 4, 2026

That means an influx of immigrants with various cultures, languages, religions and ways of being.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

Projected on the rear wall were entries dubbed an Atlas of Extinctions, starting with Trilobites and moving from species through peoples, languages, religions, art works, and institutions in modern Gaza.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

Most Christians and Muslims believe in a heaven and a hell, though there’s a lot of disagreement within both religions over what, exactly, will get you into one afterlife or the other.

From "Looking for Alaska" by John Green

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