evangelism
Americannoun
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the preaching or promulgation of the gospel; the work of an evangelist.
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missionary zeal, purpose, or activity.
noun
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RC Church term: evangelization. evangelisation. (in Protestant churches) the practice of spreading the Christian gospel
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ardent or missionary zeal for a cause
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the work, methods, or characteristic outlook of a revivalist or evangelist preacher
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a less common word for evangelicalism See evangelicalism
Etymology
Origin of evangelism
Explanation
If you've ever seen a street preacher, you know what evangelism is — it's the enthusiastic sharing of a religious belief. You can use the noun evangelism to talk about the spreading of any idea that someone is passionate about, but it most often describes the Christian gospels specifically. Many branches of Christianity include evangelism as an important part of their religious practice — it's vital not just to believe, but to spread those beliefs among as many people as possible. Missionaries, who travel to foreign countries to convert people to Christianity, practice evangelism too.
Vocabulary lists containing evangelism
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 said that he thinks the school can house 850 students and that he hopes to establish a college of evangelism as well as programs in business, government and music.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
Jones, of Brentwood, Essex, grew up in the Christian-based religious movement, probably best known for its door-to-door evangelism.
From BBC ● Apr. 12, 2026
Church members would pass them out surreptitiously for evangelism to prospective Iranian converts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2026
Catholic perspectives add nuance: conversion is understood as a lifelong process, with debates around evangelism emphasizing persuasion over coercion and relationship-building over public pressure.
From Salon ● Nov. 2, 2025
The writer believes very heartily in rural evangelism.
From The Evolution of the Country Community A Study in Religious Sociology by Wilson, Warren H. (Warren Hugh)
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.
