catechism
Americannoun
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Ecclesiastical.
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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.
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the contents of such a book.
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a similar book of instruction in other subjects.
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a series of formal questions put, as to political candidates, to bring out their views.
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catechetical instruction.
noun
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instruction by a series of questions and answers, esp a book containing such instruction on the religious doctrine of a Christian Church
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rigorous and persistent questioning, as in a test or interview
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
Vocabulary lists containing catechism
"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto
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Bless Me, Ultima
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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.
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
Billie Jo Medders can recite her history with Kevin McCarthy like a well-worn catechism.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 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
After letting Tomas know we were leaving, I drove Adria and myself to church for catechism class.
From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles
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.
