Methodism

American  

[meth-uh-diz-uhm] / ˈmɛθ əˌdɪz əm /

noun

1. the doctrines, polity, beliefs, and methods of worship of the Methodists.

2. (lowercase) the act or practice of working, proceeding, etc., according to some method or system.

3. (lowercase) an excessive use of or preoccupation with methods, systems, or the like.

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Methodism British  

/ ˈmɛθədɪzəm /

noun

1. the system and practices of the Methodist Church, developed by John Wesley and his followers

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Etymology

Origin of Methodism

First recorded in 1730–40; method + -ism

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Methodism

For example, 18th-century cleric and founder of Methodism John Wesley urged his followers to show their faith by dressing “neatly” and “plainly.”

From Salon ● May 17, 2026

I’m not saying our way was better, only that it would be substantially more difficult to make “The Da Vinci Code” out of, say, Methodism.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2025

Generations of missionary efforts brought Methodism across the world.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 13, 2024

The Church of God in Christ, Lutheranism and Methodism each scored +5 favorability ratings, while Anglicanism and the Episcopal Church came in at +3.

From Washington Times ● Mar. 6, 2023

Wesley’s Methodism spread like wildfire through England and America because Wesley was shuttling back and forth among hundreds and hundreds of groups, and each group was then taking his message and making it even stickier.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell