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religion

American  

[ri-lij-uhn] / rɪˈlɪdʒ ən /

noun

• religions
  plural

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

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• religions
  plural

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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

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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

See Examples For:

religion religions

Houellebecq made his name dissecting touchy subjects -- including sex, race and religion -- with dark irony and clinical detachment.

From Barron's ● Nov. 10, 2026

Discrimination against a protected characteristic is against the law, external, meaning an employer cannot treat you less favourably based on your age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026

The court’s six conservatives, all of whom were raised Catholic, leaned in favor of ruling the state was discriminating based on religion.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026

“We have a requirement that has a very severe impact on religion, and that is something that everybody could have anticipated,” said Justice Samuel Alito.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026

"Why do you care about his religion? Or their caste?"

From "Born Behind Bars" by Padma Venkatraman

And Islam has long been considered one of the fastest-growing religions in the country, with Pew Research estimating that by 2040, Muslims will replace Jews as the nation’s second-largest religious group after Christians.

From Slate ● Nov. 2, 2026

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

Upadhyay explained that some tourists were among those missing, because the "area is important for pilgrimage to many religions".

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

It recognises Protestantism and Catholicism as official religions, but practising organisations must register with the government -- something many Christians feel yields an unacceptable amount of control over church affairs and teachings.

From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026

“We can’t have you being disrespectful to all religions either.”

From "The Bridge Home" by Padma Venkatraman

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