baptist

noun

bap·​tist ˈbap-tist How to pronounce baptist (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈbab-tist,
 also  ˈbab-dist
1
: one that baptizes
2
capitalized : a member or adherent of an evangelical Protestant denomination marked by congregational polity and baptism by immersion of believers only
Baptist adjective

Examples of baptist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Gentili was a Catholic who attended Catholic services, as well as Baptist services, during her life. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2024 Reared as a Baptist, he was used to being a Black participant in mostly white organizations. Peggy Fletcher Stack, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 Jan. 2023 The baptist pastor reportedly took his advocacy for circumventing the filibuster all the way to President Joe Biden in hopes of getting the 36-year Senate veteran’s backing to reform or circumvent the rule. Emily Brooks, Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2021 David Arnett, a baptist minister and an uncle of the bride, officiated at an outdoor ceremony in front of about 50 guests, most of them family members. New York Times, 10 Dec. 2021 The rally was held at a baptist church in Lithonia. Sydney Shea, Washington Examiner, 29 Dec. 2020 Error 0: For many baptists, the largest denomination in the county, the change in worship has been a fairly smooth one. David Taylor, Houston Chronicle, 7 Apr. 2020 Although this isn't entirely unusual with independent baptists (including the Dugggars of TLC's 19 Kids and Counting fame) Barry's family has a number of strict rules in their home. Laura Hanrahan, Woman's Day, 6 Jan. 2020 In an upset, Republican incumbent Rep. Robert Pittenger lost his bid for a third term to Mark Harris, a former baptist pastor, by less than three percentage points. Christianna Silva, Teen Vogue, 9 May 2018

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of baptist was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near baptist

Cite this Entry

“Baptist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baptist. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Baptist

adjective
Bap·​tist
ˈbap-təst
: of or relating to any of several Protestant denominations practicing baptism by immersion
Baptist noun

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