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:
Lewis, now 43, credits the charity and religion for keeping him off the streets and clear of drugs.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
Across the nation, anti-Muslim fervor was so strong that Bush was compelled to explain to the American people that freedom of religion was still in the Bill of Rights.
From Salon ● Sep. 13, 2026
On that day and in the immediate aftermath, Americans and those who admired America spoke about what made our country good: Our constitutionally protected and culturally lauded freedoms, including of speech, religion, and the press.
From Slate ● Sep. 11, 2026
Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating based on characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex and national origin as well as age and disabilities.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
It’s a reminder that race and religion aren’t the only things that can make you an outsider.
From "Linked" by Gordon Korman
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
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
Projected on the rear wall were entries dubbed an Atlas of Extinctions, starting with Trilobites and moving from species through peoples, languages, religions, art works, and institutions in modern Gaza.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
Just as foragers exhibited a wide array of religions and social structures, so, too, did they probably demonstrate a variety of violence rates.
From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
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.
