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religion

American  

[ri-lij-uhn] / rɪˈlɪdʒ ən /

noun

• religions
  plural

1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.

   the Christian religion;

   the Buddhist religion.

3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.

   a world council of religions.

4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc..

   to enter religion.

5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience.

   to make a religion of fighting prejudice.

7. Archaic. religions, religious rites.

   painted priests performing religions deep into the night.

8. Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion.

   a religion to one's vow.

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idioms

1. get religion,

   1. to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.

   2. to resolve to mend one's errant ways.

      The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.

religion British  

/ rɪˈlɪdʒən /

noun

1. belief in, worship of, or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny

2. any formal or institutionalized expression of such belief

   the Christian religion

3. the attitude and feeling of one who believes in a transcendent controlling power or powers

4. RC Church the way of life determined by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience entered upon by monks, friars, and nuns

   to enter religion

5. something of overwhelming importance to a person

   football is his religion

6. archaic

   1. the practice of sacred ritual observances

   2. sacred rites and ceremonies

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religion More Idioms  

1. see get religion.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonreligion
  noun
• subreligion
  noun
• antireligion
  adjective
• religionless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• religions
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of religion

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English religioun, from Old French religion or directly from Latin religiōn- (stem of religiō “conscientiousness, piety,” equivalent to relig(āre) “to tie, fasten” ( re- re- + ligāre “to bind, tie”; cf. ligament) + -iōn- -ion; cf. rely

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Explanation

Religion has two related meanings: it’s the belief that one or more divine beings are responsible for the fate of all human life, and it’s also an organization where people of a specific religion can express their beliefs. Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam: these are examples of religions, and millions around the world follow the principles defined by their chosen faith. The Latin root religio means “to bind,” and religion binds people together not just by their practices, but also by their ideas. Most religions have their own story about the creation of the universe, and each has a different explanation for the meaning of life, which is a source of comfort for a religion’s followers.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

religion religions

Others suggest he is an empty shell who will become whatever it takes to gain money and power, as evidenced by his constantly shifting attitudes about race and religion.

From Salon ● Oct. 21, 2026

The 1925 “monkey trial” of John Scopes, in which the Tennessee teacher was prosecuted for teaching Darwinism, has been aptly described as a faceoff between fundamentalist religion and evolutionary science.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

"It's important not to mix politics with religion," said David de Santos from under his cowboy hat, after walking 50 kilometers in 24 hours to reach the shrine.

From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026

“I don’t know how to describe it, but filmmaking became a religion, as opposed to something that I could do. It fused with me.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026

In answer, the spirits accurately communicated the deceased’s city, occupation, religion, age, number of children, and the disease that killed him.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

While the law applies to all religions, the anxiety is being felt most deeply at places where minorities, especially Christians, worship.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

It’s a fun, childlike interpretation of the complexities of coming from two cultures and religions.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026

The reasons relationships succeed or fail can vary greatly across cultures, religions, socioeconomic circumstances, and generations.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 7, 2026

It recognises Protestantism and Catholicism as official religions, but practising organisations must register with the government -- something many Christians feel yields an unacceptable amount of control over church affairs and teachings.

From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026

He asks questions about atoms and clouds, about fish and mammals, about famous religions and dead presidents.

From "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper

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