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
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
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
They described growing up attending Mass and catechism, only to stop in their early teens after being confirmed.
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
He had given each one of us a quiz, asking us to answer questions on the catechism lessons or to recite prayers.
From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya
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.
