catechism

American  

[kat-i-kiz-uhm] / ˈkæt ɪˌkɪz əm /

noun

• catechisms
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• catechismal
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• catechisms
  plural

Etymology

Origin of catechism

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

Explanation

A catechism is a series of questions and answers. Catholic children study a catechism as part of their religious education; it outlines the principal tenets of their faith. If you're looking to understand the Christian faith, the catechism is a good place to begin. It outlines people's relationship to God, man's need for God, and the importance of the scriptures and the principles of the faith. It is meant to be digested over time, though children used to commit portions of it to memory.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

catechism catechisms

“Through such an admission man looks squarely at the sins he is guilty of,” reads the catechism of the Catholic Church.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026

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

From Salon ● May 23, 2025

They described growing up attending Mass and catechism, only to stop after receiving the sacrament of confirmation — or “getting rid of it,” as one put it — in their early teens.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 4, 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

If I begged and practiced my catechism, Mother would sometimes let me go home with Constantine on Friday afternoons.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

The conventional catechisms of art were dominated by the New York School, which Ruscha’s art held in an equivocal — and often very funny — embrace.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2023

During the days, I recited calorie counts like catechisms and logged each mile run like a penitent prayer over a rosary bead.

From Salon ● Jun. 28, 2022

Secessionists complained that by 1860 generations of Northerners had been taught antislavery in their catechisms, their schoolbooks, the sermons they listened to and the speeches they heard.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 27, 2017

Coming out in Oklahoma is a conversion: its attendant testimony, catechisms, and shibboleths have weight, gravitas.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 13, 2016

He hauls some green mattresses piled outside into a small room used for studies and catechisms, where the migrants sleep.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario