monotheism

[ mon-uh-thee-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the doctrine or belief that there is only one God.

monotheism

/ ˈmɒnəʊθɪˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the belief or doctrine that there is only one God

monotheism

1. A belief in one god. Judaism , Christianity , and Islam are all monotheistic religions. ( Compare polytheism .)

Derived Forms

• ˈmonoˌtheist, nounadjective
• ˌmonotheˈistically, adverb
• ˌmonotheˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• mono·theist noun adjective
• mono·the·istic mono·the·isti·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of monotheism¹

First recorded in 1650–60; mono- + (poly)theism

Example Sentences

Muslims do not worship the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure covered in a black, gold-embroidered cloth, but view it as their most sacred place and a powerful symbol of unity and monotheism.

From Seattle Times

Lohengrin comes, as well, from a more divine realm to save Elsa from persecution amid conflict and mercurial alliances — between paganism and monotheism, between the Holy Roman Empire and opposing forces.

From New York Times

Maria thinks “her great-aunts’ understanding of Catholicism was so fickle you couldn’t really call it monotheism.

From Los Angeles Times

Their “understanding of Catholicism was so fickle you couldn’t really call it monotheism,” Marra writes.

From New York Times

One recent video, “Inshallah” — “God willing” — has lyrics that evoke monotheism, the cornerstone of the Islamic faith.

From Seattle Times