Epicureanism

American  

[ep-i-kyoo-ree-uh-niz-uhm, -kyoor-ee-] / ˌɛp ɪ kyʊˈri əˌnɪz əm, -ˈkyʊər i- /

Also Epicurism

noun

1. the philosophical system or doctrine of Epicurus, holding that the external world is a series of fortuitous combinations of atoms and that the highest good is pleasure, interpreted as freedom from disturbance or pain.

2. (lowercase) epicurean indulgence or habits.

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Epicureanism Cultural  

1. A form of hedonism defended by several philosophers of ancient Greece. For the Epicureans, the proper goal of action was pleasure — a long-term pleasure, marked by serenity and temperance.

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Etymology

Origin of Epicureanism

First recorded in 1745–55; epicurean + -ism

Example Sentences

The philosophic movements that emerged soon after Diogenes’ time, Stoicism and Epicureanism, aimed to help adherents overcome the fear of death.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

Epicurus founded a school of philosophy called Epicureanism, which taught that pleasure is the highest good.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

He’s an ascetic who is slowly, and hilariously, seduced by Epicureanism.

From New York Times • May 31, 2021

For Delattre, Epicureanism encompasses physics and ethics, a complete world view that he both studies and emulates.

From The New Yorker • Nov. 16, 2015

The one among them all who most stoutly professes the fundamental principles of Epicureanism, and then proceeds to admit pretty much everything its opponents advance against it, is John Stuart Mill.

From The Five Great Philosophies of Life by Hyde, William De Witt