catechism

American  

[kat-i-kiz-uhm] / ˈkæt ɪˌkɪz əm /

noun

1. Ecclesiastical.

   1. an elementary book containing a summary of the principles of the Christian religion, especially as maintained by a particular church, in the form of questions and answers.

   2. the contents of such a book.

2. a similar book of instruction in other subjects.

3. a series of formal questions put, as to political candidates, to bring out their views.

4. catechetical instruction.

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catechism British  

/ ˈkætɪˌkɪzəm /

noun

1. instruction by a series of questions and answers, esp a book containing such instruction on the religious doctrine of a Christian Church

2. rigorous and persistent questioning, as in a test or interview

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Other Word Forms

• catechismal adjective

Etymology

Origin of catechism

1495–1505; < Late Latin catēchismus apparently equivalent to catēch ( izāre ) to catechize + -ismus -ism

Example Sentences

He may have gone to catechism class, but he hasn't done his homework.

From Salon • May 23, 2025

But he had an aide read his catechism lesson, as he has done for the past several days.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2024

She was my catechism teacher, and she paced our classroom floor while lecturing that, eons ago, all humans had belonged to the same tribe.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2023

When she was just 4 years old, Quintanilla recited creeds — statements of belief — at her grandmother’s catechism classes in church.

From Washington Post • Apr. 21, 2023

I was too ashamed to go back to catechism after that.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston