Shinto

American  

[shin-toh] / ˈʃɪn toʊ /

noun

1. Also Shintoism. the native religion of Japan, primarily a system of nature and ancestor worship.

---

adjective

1. Also Shintoistic. of, relating to, or characteristic of Shinto.

Shinto British  

/ ˈʃɪntəʊ /

noun

1. the indigenous religion of Japan, polytheistic in character and incorporating the worship of a number of ethnic divinities, from the chief of which the emperor is believed to be descended

---

Other Word Forms

• Shintoism noun
• Shintoist noun

Etymology

Origin of Shinto

< Japanese shintō, earlier shintau < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese shéndào way of the gods

Example Sentences

Early samurai patronage of theater, painting and tea ceremonies, as well as their religious support of Buddhism, Shinto and even Christianity, are all on display.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

When the crossing appears, Yatsurugi's priest holds a Shinto ritual on the ice, something Miyasaka has been able to do just 11 times in over four decades in the job.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

She was inspired by the Japanese Shinto religion, which teaches that objects have spirits and must be respected as such.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2025

One of its logos was said to resemble a Shinto temple, while the iconic mineral water bottle’s red cap was deemed to be a reference to the Japanese flag.

From BBC • Oct. 13, 2024

This is the oldest and most sacred Shinto shrine in Japan, which means that it is the central spot for imperial ancestor worship.

From Letters from China and Japan by Dewey, John