Judaism

noun

Ju·​da·​ism ˈjü-dē-ˌi-zəm  ˈjü-də-  ˈjü-(ˌ)dā- 

 British also  ˈjü-ˌdi-zəm

1

: a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews and characterized by belief in one transcendent God who has revealed himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions

2

: the cultural, social, and religious beliefs and practices of the Jews

3

: conformity to Jewish rites, ceremonies, and practices

4

: the whole body of Jews : the Jewish people

Examples of Judaism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Amichai Lau-Lavie wants to get inside the system of Judaism like a virus. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 June 2024

While all this is happening, David’s beloved fiancé, Meg (Meghan Leathers), who hails from Wisconsin and had decided to convert to Judaism, is on hand to witness the chaos. —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 June 2024

In the aftermath of the Holocaust, much theological debate within Christianity, Judaism and beyond centered on the question of theodicy, or how a god who is good coexists with a world that is often evil. —Emily Langer, Washington Post, 13 June 2024

For Falconetti, Brunner and other pro-Palestinian demonstrators, being against Zionism — the movement by Jewish people to regain and preserve their historic homeland in what is now Israel — is not the same as being against Judaism. —Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 9 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Judaism

• anti-Judaism
• Conservative Judaism
• Orthodox Judaism
• Reform Judaism

Kids Definition

Judaism

noun

Ju·​da·​ism ˈjüd-ə-ˌiz-əm  ˈjüd-ē- 

1

: a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews that stresses belief in one God and faithfulness to the laws of the Torah

2

: the beliefs and practices of the Jews

Judaic

jü-ˈdā-ik

adjective