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

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

On Sunday mornings, a small white bulldog named Wesley, after the founder of Methodism, roams the campus with a handler, greeting admirers.

From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2023

Born in 1714 in Gloucester, England, Whitefield was an Anglican cleric who co-founded Methodism, earned a reputation as an itinerant evangelical preacher and became part of a uniquely American religious revival called the “Great Awakening.”

From Washington Times • Dec. 18, 2019

The Methodism preached by Reverend Matyolo was of the fire-and-brimstone variety, seasoned with a bit of African animism.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela