religion
Americannoun
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religions
plural
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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.
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a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.
the Christian religion;
the Buddhist religion.
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the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.
a world council of religions.
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the life or state of a monk, nun, etc..
to enter religion.
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the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
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something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience.
to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
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Archaic. religions, religious rites.
painted priests performing religions deep into the night.
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Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion.
a religion to one's vow.
idioms
noun
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belief in, worship of, or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny
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any formal or institutionalized expression of such belief
the Christian religion
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the attitude and feeling of one who believes in a transcendent controlling power or powers
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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
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something of overwhelming importance to a person
football is his religion
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archaic
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the practice of sacred ritual observances
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sacred rites and ceremonies
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
Vocabulary lists containing religion
The Origins of Civilization, Lessons 3–5
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Culture
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5th Grade Government Vocabulary, List 5
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The "Rimini Meeting" is a prominent event mixing religion, culture and politics that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every summer.
From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026
Like actual religion, to continue on versus stopping becomes a question of faith.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026
Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of religion, race, sex and national origin.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026
"It was actually quite an interesting time to be there, and realising how important religion is to the people of Morocco and how seriously they take the fasting ritual," Smith said.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
Facts about history, science, religion, geography, important poets and writers—“the works,” they said.
From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy
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
“It has been said that the arts, the religions and the sciences are all branches of the same tree. And I very much live by that,” says Neven.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2026
Mr. Kumar writes that nonproselytizing religions are criticized for “their efforts to safeguard followers from predatory proselytization.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 12, 2026
Many Eurasian states and empires had official religions that contributed to state cohesion, being invoked to legitimize the political leadership and to sanction wars against other peoples.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
