theologian
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of theologian
First recorded in 1475–85; theology + -an; replacing earlier theologien, from Middle French
Explanation
A college student who majors in religion may decide to become a theologian, or an expert in the study of religion. Use the noun theologian to describe a person who has read and studied religious thought and ideas. Professors in a university's religious studies department are usually theologians, and religious leaders are usually considered to be theologians. Theologian comes from theology, the study of God or religion, which has its root in the Greek word theologia, "an account of the gods."
Vocabulary lists containing theologian
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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.
As Mr. Mintzker traces the origins and purposes behind that slanderous 1602 pamphlet, he encounters the work of Jacob Schudt, a German theologian and devout Lutheran who around 1714 began publishing his four-volume “Jewish Memorabilia.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026
Rhodes, raised as a Swedenborgianist — a Christian denomination that emphasizes “divine love” based on the writings of theologian Emanuel Swedenborg — does not outright reject the comparison.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 18, 2026
The influential fifth-century Christian theologian laid the foundations for the 13th century Augustinian order to which Leo belongs, one based on communal living and service.
From Barron's ● Apr. 13, 2026
Until 1989, Grand Ayatollah Hussein-Ali Montazeri – a prominent theologian and revolutionary leader – was expected to take over as the supreme leader.
From Salon ● Mar. 6, 2026
Luther, as well as being a theologian, scholar, writer and preacher, was a composer.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
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.
