Hinduism

noun

Hin·​du·​ism ˈhin-(ˌ)dü-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce Hinduism (audio)
: the dominant religion of India that emphasizes dharma with its resulting ritual and social observances and often mystical contemplation and ascetic practices

Examples of Hinduism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But when ignorance of Hinduism is prevalent—only 15 percent of Americans know basic facts about Hinduism—being seen comes at a cost. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 The bloodshed has invited increasing scrutiny, as activists who champion animal welfare square off with devotees who believe that the ritual is an important, untouchable cornerstone of Hinduism. Chad De Guzman, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024 Introduction of the Bible into the classroom is complicated by the diverse range of religions in public schools including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and others, along with 20% of U.S. families who are religiously unaffiliated. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 Nov. 2024 The Wikipedia entry on the Golden Rule cites variations of this basic ethic from Egyptian, Sanskrit, Tamil, Persian, Roman, and Yoruba texts, from the three Abrahamic religions, as well as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and so on. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Hinduism 

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Hinduism was in 1786

Dictionary Entries Near Hinduism

Cite this Entry

“Hinduism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hinduism. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

Hinduism

noun
Hin·​du·​ism ˈhin-(ˌ)dü-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce Hinduism (audio)
: a body of social, cultural, and religious beliefs and practices native to the Indian subcontinent

More from Merriam-Webster on Hinduism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!