religion
Americannoun
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religions
plural
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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.
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a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.
the Christian religion;
the Buddhist religion.
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the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.
a world council of religions.
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the life or state of a monk, nun, etc..
to enter religion.
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the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
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something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience.
to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
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Archaic. religions, religious rites.
painted priests performing religions deep into the night.
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Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion.
a religion to one's vow.
idioms
noun
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belief in, worship of, or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny
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any formal or institutionalized expression of such belief
the Christian religion
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the attitude and feeling of one who believes in a transcendent controlling power or powers
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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
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something of overwhelming importance to a person
football is his religion
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archaic
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the practice of sacred ritual observances
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sacred rites and ceremonies
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
Vocabulary lists containing religion
The Origins of Civilization, Lessons 3–5
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Culture
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5th Grade Government Vocabulary, List 5
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
They read the text of the First Amendment and see that it prohibits Congress from making any law that impairs the free exercise of religion.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
In addition to being ideologically divided, young men and women have vastly different beliefs about religion and gender.
From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2026
An altar in the home of a practitioner of an African diasporic religion.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
The state and church controlled where and how they lived, the type of schooling for children, the language they spoke, and how they could practice their culture, religion and traditional livelihoods, it said.
From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026
Someone who could sign an affidavit swearing to my name and nationality and religion.
From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
The creature is occupied and controlled by Anida Yoeu Ali, a Cambodian-born artist who lives in Tacoma, Wash. Ali’s numerous performance-based exhibits explore her Cambodian-American identity and Buddhist and Muslim religions.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026
The reasons relationships succeed or fail can vary greatly across cultures, religions, socioeconomic circumstances, and generations.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 7, 2026
Upadhyay explained that some tourists were among those missing, because the "area is important for pilgrimage to many religions".
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026
Who understands even his own religion, let alone the religions of others?
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
But the people in the south were of different religions and did not want to be forced to practice Islam.
From "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
