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

Her first name Tulsi is a sacred plant in Hinduism, and she is a lifelong vegetarian.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Conferences on freedom of religion routinely have inadequate representation of Hinduism.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

After the passing of John Coltrane, Alice turned to African and Eastern religions, specifically Hinduism, and took on the Sanskrit name Swamini Turiyasangitananda.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2025

Today Nataraja is one of the most recognisable symbols of Hinduism.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2025

Like many Eastern religions, Hinduism was steeped in the symbolism of duality.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife