Zoroastrianism

American  

[zawr-oh-as-tree-uh-niz-uhm, zohr-] / ˌzɔr oʊˈæs tri əˌnɪz əm, ˌzoʊr- /

Sometimes Zoroastrism

noun

1. an Iranian religion, founded c600 b.c. by Zoroaster, the principal beliefs of which are in the existence of a supreme deity, Ahura Mazda, and in a cosmic struggle between a spirit of good, Spenta Mainyu, and a spirit of evil, Angra Mainyu.

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Zoroastrianism British  

/ ˌzɒrəʊˈæstrɪənˌɪzəm /

noun

1. Also called: Mazdaism.  the dualistic religion founded by the Persian prophet Zoroaster in the late 7th or early 6th centuries _bc and set forth in the sacred writings of the Zend-Avesta. It is based on the concept of a continuous struggle between Ormazd (or Ahura Mazda), the god of creation, light, and goodness, and his arch enemy, Ahriman, the spirit of evil and darkness, and it includes a highly developed ethical code

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Etymology

Origin of Zoroastrianism

First recorded in 1850–55; Zoroastrian + -ism

Example Sentences

However, the Constitution recognises Sunni Islam, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Christianity as minority religions, each of which has its own representatives in the Iranian parliament.

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

Tucked away in a lane in the southern end of India's financial capital, Mumbai, is a museum dedicated to the followers of one of the world's oldest religions, Zoroastrianism.

From BBC • May 16, 2025

The festival—a mainstay since Zoroastrianism was Iran’s dominant religion—traditionally honors the birth of Mithra, the ancient Persian goddess of light.

From National Geographic • Dec. 19, 2023

This week’s speakers and presenters will represent Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Baha’i, Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Indigenous religions, paganism and other beliefs.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 14, 2023

Zoroastrianism is patrilineal, which meant that even though Mom had inherited Babou’s religion, she couldn’t pass it on to me and Laleh.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram