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

Generations of missionary efforts brought Methodism across the world.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 13, 2024

“We like to call ourselves the cradle of Black Methodism in DC,” she said.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 22, 2021

“I think over the next 10 years we’re going to see some major realignment of Methodism in the U.S.,”

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 19, 2019

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