Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of paganism
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English pāgānysme, from Late Latin pāgānismus, equivalent to Latin pāgān(us) pagan + -ismus -ism
Explanation
Paganism refers to religions other than Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. Any religion that’s outside of the mainstream is considered paganism. Wiccans and Druids are but a few of the people who practice paganism, but many pagan religions have been retired. Paganism is a loose term that lumps together many religions and belief systems. This term was often used in a derogatory way — especially by Christians — for faiths that existed before Jesus. The term pagan is related to the Latin word for “rural” because country people held on to the old religions for longer. In paganism, polytheism — a group of gods — was more common than the monotheism that followed. Paganism is also called heathenism.
Vocabulary lists containing paganism
Power Suffix: -ism
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!
World Religions
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 Suffix -ism, Part 2
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 conference "Imagining Nordic Paganism: Cultural Memories and Scholarly Thought Since the Middle Ages" focuses on the long history of how Scandinavian paganism has been interpreted.
From Science Daily • Nov. 23, 2025
A typical Easter feast includes lamb, which symbolizes Jesus' self-sacrifice as the "Lamb of God" in Christianity and the spring equinox in Paganism; and ham, which symbolizes luck.
From Salon • Apr. 7, 2023
She says she has learned not to preach about Paganism but will stand up for witches in her day-to-day life.
From BBC • Oct. 29, 2021
Annmarie Agosta, who grew up in an Italian-American family in Brooklyn and became a Sufi in 2009 after exploring Paganism, Wicca and Buddhism, seemed to agree with this statement.
From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2016
If they went back to Paganism, they certainly found plenty of gods.
From The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 7 (of 12) Dresden Edition?Discussions by Ingersoll, Robert Green
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.
