Baptist
Americannoun
-
a member of a Christian denomination that baptizes believers by immersion and that is usually Calvinistic in doctrine.
-
(lowercase) a person who baptizes.
-
the Baptist. John the Baptist.
adjective
noun
-
a member of any of various Christian sects that affirm the necessity of baptism (usually of adults and by immersion) following a personal profession of the Christian faith
-
See John the Baptist
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of Baptist
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English baptiste, from Old French, from Late Latin baptista, from Greek baptistḗs, equivalent to bapt(ízein) “to baptize ” + -istēs -ist
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.
On a sunny morning a few weeks after Freeport received the exemption, white smoke poured from its smelter above a Baptist church and residential neighborhood.
From Salon • May 10, 2026
The former President of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland was at Coleraine Magistrates' Court, where the judgement was delivered, on Thursday.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
She had grown up an all-in Southern Baptist who went to church “anytime the doors were open.”
From Slate • May 4, 2026
At the First Baptist Church, he said, the Eastlands were trying to be respectful as people grieved.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
When I asked Mother why they didn't act like that, she said it was because they were decent human beings, members of the Baptist organization, who understood we were equal.
From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals
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.
