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

See Examples For:

Hinduism

Gabbard's mother, born on the US mainland, embraced Hinduism and raised her children in the tradition.

From Barron's ● May 22, 2026

Key Hindu beliefs illustrate this idea: Hinduism holds that many paths access one underlying Truth.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026

This phase saw major cities, powerful kingdoms and the rise of Vedic culture - a foundation for Hinduism.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2025

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

Nor did I know a thing about Hinduism or Buddhism or Islam.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez