Hinduism

American  

[hin-doo-iz-uhm] / ˈhɪn duˌɪz əm /

Or Hindooism

noun

1. the common religion of India, based upon the religion of the original Aryan settlers as expounded and evolved in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad-Gita, etc., having an extremely diversified character with many schools of philosophy and theology, many popular cults, and a large pantheon symbolizing the many attributes of a single god. Buddhism and Jainism are outside the Hindu tradition but are regarded as related religions.

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Hinduism British  

/ ˈhɪndʊˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the complex of beliefs, values, and customs comprising the dominant religion of India, characterized by the worship of many gods, including Brahma as supreme being, a caste system, belief in reincarnation, etc

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Hinduism Cultural  

1. A religion of India that emphasizes freedom from the material world through purification of desires and elimination of personal identity. Hindu beliefs include reincarnation. (See Brahmins, pariah, Vishnu, and yoga.)

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Discover More

Traditionally, Hinduism was linked to the caste system — a division of Indian society into several rigid groups, with members of a higher caste holding power over those of a lower.

The sacred writings of Hinduism include the Vedas (which contain the Upanishads) and the Bhagavad Gita.

Etymology

Origin of Hinduism

First recorded in 1820–30; Hindu + -ism

Compare meaning

How does hinduism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Jainism vs. Hinduism

Example Sentences

His theological commitments are decidedly liberal, perhaps universalist—Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism he sees “as circling the same truth about the universe, about the cosmos.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

After the passing of John Coltrane, Alice turned to African and Eastern religions, specifically Hinduism, and took on the Sanskrit name Swamini Turiyasangitananda.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2025

Eventually, she converted to Hinduism and they wed, according to a British home department report.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2025

However, IFS incorporates a recognition of the self that is almost spiritual in nature — similar to the soul in Christianity or Atman in Hinduism.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2024

The gods of Hinduism face their fair share of thieves, bullies, kidnappers and usurpers.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel