Hinduism

American  

[hin-doo-iz-uhm] / ˈhɪn duˌɪz əm /

Or Hindooism

noun

1. 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.

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Hinduism British  

/ ˈhɪndʊˌɪzəm /

noun

1. 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

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Hinduism Cultural  

1. 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.)

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Discover More

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.

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

Etymology

Origin of Hinduism

First recorded in 1820–30; Hindu + -ism

Compare meaning

How does hinduism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Jainism vs. Hinduism

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Hinduism

Gabbard's mother, born on the US mainland, embraced Hinduism and raised her children in the tradition.

From Barron's ● May 22, 2026

Many Hindu nationalists fear that Hinduism is vulnerable and will go extinct.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 12, 2026

The imagery which depicted gods, goddesses, supreme preachers and enlightened souls of three ancient religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism - was reimagined from symbolic to more recognisably deriving from human form.

From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2025

In Hinduism, the cow symbolizes a life of nonviolent generosity and has been venerated for millennia as an “unslayable” animal.

From Salon ● Apr. 28, 2024

A heady mix of Eastern Marxism and orthodox Hinduism, spiked with a shot of democracy.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy