religion

American  

[ri-lij-uhn] / rɪˈlɪdʒ ən /

noun

1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.

   the Christian religion;

   the Buddhist religion.

3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.

   a world council of religions.

4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc..

   to enter religion.

5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience.

   to make a religion of fighting prejudice.

7. Archaic. religions, religious rites.

   painted priests performing religions deep into the night.

8. Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion.

   a religion to one's vow.

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idioms

1. get religion,

   1. to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.

   2. to resolve to mend one's errant ways.

      The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.

religion British  

/ rɪˈlɪdʒən /

noun

1. belief in, worship of, or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny

2. any formal or institutionalized expression of such belief

   the Christian religion

3. the attitude and feeling of one who believes in a transcendent controlling power or powers

4. RC Church the way of life determined by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience entered upon by monks, friars, and nuns

   to enter religion

5. something of overwhelming importance to a person

   football is his religion

6. archaic

   1. the practice of sacred ritual observances

   2. sacred rites and ceremonies

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religion More Idioms  

1. see get religion.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• subreligion
  noun
• antireligion
  adjective
• religionless
  adjective
• nonreligion
  noun

Etymology

Origin of religion

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English religioun, from Old French religion or directly from Latin religiōn- (stem of religiō “conscientiousness, piety,” equivalent to relig(āre) “to tie, fasten” ( re- re- + ligāre “to bind, tie”; cf. ligament) + -iōn- -ion; cf. rely

Explanation

Religion has two related meanings: it’s the belief that one or more divine beings are responsible for the fate of all human life, and it’s also an organization where people of a specific religion can express their beliefs. Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam: these are examples of religions, and millions around the world follow the principles defined by their chosen faith. The Latin root religio means “to bind,” and religion binds people together not just by their practices, but also by their ideas. Most religions have their own story about the creation of the universe, and each has a different explanation for the meaning of life, which is a source of comfort for a religion’s followers.

Example Sentences

It’s possible the religion bill had nothing to do with it.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

Another tip-off for me about our friendship was that he never mentioned politics or religion.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

In his homily, Pope Leo said Spaniards should not look at religion as "a museum of the past to be visited, but a school of faith from which to draw even today".

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Nonreligious scholars and analysts in the secularized West tend to assume that because they don’t take religion seriously, other important and accomplished people don’t, either.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

While Leah embraced Modern Spiritualism as her newfound faith, Maggie and Kate never seemed to believe as deeply in the new religion they’d helped found.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Related Words

• church
• creed
• cult
• denomination
• doctrine
• morality
• myth
• mythology
• prayer
• ritual
• sect
• spirituality
• superstition
• theology