catechism
Americannoun
-
Ecclesiastical.
-
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.
-
the contents of such a book.
-
-
a similar book of instruction in other subjects.
-
a series of formal questions put, as to political candidates, to bring out their views.
-
catechetical instruction.
noun
-
instruction by a series of questions and answers, esp a book containing such instruction on the religious doctrine of a Christian Church
-
rigorous and persistent questioning, as in a test or interview
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of catechism
1495–1505; < Late Latin catēchismus apparently equivalent to catēch ( izāre ) to catechize + -ismus -ism
Explanation
A catechism is a series of questions and answers. Catholic children study a catechism as part of their religious education; it outlines the principal tenets of their faith. If you're looking to understand the Christian faith, the catechism is a good place to begin. It outlines people's relationship to God, man's need for God, and the importance of the scriptures and the principles of the faith. It is meant to be digested over time, though children used to commit portions of it to memory.
Vocabulary lists containing catechism
"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Bless Me, Ultima
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Help
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Mary’s consent—“Let it be done.”—was a free, active and essential act of faith that allowed the Incarnation to occur.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026
He argues the Catechism is clear that immigrants should keep to all laws, including those about whether they should be in the country.
From BBC • Dec. 23, 2025
Moreover, six years ago, the Pope updated the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s teaching on the death penalty.
From Salon • Dec. 1, 2024
“Veneration must be clearly distinguished from adoration and worship, which are due God alone,” says the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2024
During those years when I was memorizing the questions and answers of The Baltimore Catechism, I was also impressing on my memory the spelling of hundreds of words, grammar rules, division and multiplication tables.
From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez
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.
