catechism

[ kat-i-kiz-uhm ]

noun

1. Ecclesiastical.
   1. an elementary book containing a summary of the principles of the Christian religion, especially as maintained by a particular church, in the form of questions and answers.
   2. the contents of such a book.
2. a similar book of instruction in other subjects.
3. a series of formal questions put, as to political candidates, to bring out their views.
4. catechetical instruction.

catechism

/ ˈkætɪˌkɪzəm /

noun

1. instruction by a series of questions and answers, esp a book containing such instruction on the religious doctrine of a Christian Church
2. rigorous and persistent questioning, as in a test or interview

Derived Forms

• ˌcateˈchismal, adjective

Other Words From

• cate·chismal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of catechism¹

1495–1505; < Late Latin catēchismus apparently equivalent to catēch ( izāre ) to catechize + -ismus -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of catechism¹

C16: from Late Latin catēchismus, ultimately from Greek katēkhizein to catechize

Example Sentences

I’ve just spent a week tramping across Venice, a city of more than 250 churches, and where did I encounter the most doctrinaire catechism?

From New York Times

For the last several weeks he has occasionally asked an aide to read aloud his speeches and catechism lessons to spare him the effort.

From Seattle Times

But he had an aide read his catechism lesson, as he has done for the past several days.

From Seattle Times

She was my catechism teacher, and she paced our classroom floor while lecturing that, eons ago, all humans had belonged to the same tribe.

From Los Angeles Times

They described growing up attending Mass and catechism, only to stop in their early teens after being confirmed.

From Seattle Times