Hinduism

or Hin·doo·ism

[hin-doo-iz-uh m]

noun

the common religion of India, based upon the religion of the original Aryan settlers as expounded and evolved in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad-Gita, etc., having an extremely diversified character with many schools of philosophy and theology, many popular cults, and a large pantheon symbolizing the many attributes of a single god. Buddhism and Jainism are outside the Hindu tradition but are regarded as related religions.

Origin of Hinduism

First recorded in 1820–30; Hindu + -ism

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for hinduism

Contemporary Examples of hinduism

They want Hinduism to be seen as the solution to the centuries of mess created by Muslim and British “foreign” rule.
Should Hindu Nationalist Narendra Modi Be Allowed a U.S. Visa?
Shikha Dalmia
July 31, 2013
He was raised by secular Sikhs, attended a Christian school, and, as a youth, dabbled in Hinduism.
This Week’s Hot Reads: November 6, 2012
Mythili Rao
November 7, 2012
The man behind some of the complaints is Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism.
Animated Film Roils Hindus in Queens
Salil Tripathi
July 24, 2011
When he first attended Barsana Dham, he said, “I just felt like Hinduism was explained.”
The Fugitive Guru
Ben Crair
June 21, 2011
Hinduism directs its followers to spiritual teachers, who, according to traditional belief, are a necessary connection to God.
The Fugitive Guru
Ben Crair
June 21, 2011

Historical Examples of hinduism

Yes, it is true; this is Hinduism—not in theory of course, but in practice.
Things as They Are
Amy Wilson-Carmichael
So now there is another key turned, locking him into Hinduism.
Things as They Are
Amy Wilson-Carmichael
Hinduism is crammed with incarnations; this presented no difficulty.
Things as They Are
Amy Wilson-Carmichael
But Hinduism has not lost hold of this old remote India yet.
Lotus Buds
Amy Carmichael
The explanation is to be found in the character of Hinduism.
Life and Work in Benares and Kumaon, 1839-1877
James Kennedy

British Dictionary definitions for hinduism

Hinduism

Hindooism

noun

the complex of beliefs, values, and customs comprising the dominant religion of India, characterized by the worship of many gods, including Brahma as supreme being, a caste system, belief in reincarnation, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for hinduism

Hinduism

blanket term for "polytheism of India," 1829, from Hindu + -ism.

hinduism in Culture

Hinduism

A religion of India that emphasizes freedom from the material world through purification of desires and elimination of personal identity. Hindu beliefs include reincarnation. (See Brahmins, pariah, Vishnu, and yoga.)

Note

Traditionally, Hinduism was linked to the caste system — a division of Indian society into several rigid groups, with members of a higher caste holding power over those of a lower.

Note

The sacred writings of Hinduism include the Vedas (which contain the Upanishads) and the Bhagavad Gita.