religion

noun

re·​li·​gion ri-ˈli-jən 

1

: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices

2

a(1)

: the service and worship of God or the supernatural

(2)

: commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance

b

: the state of a religious

a nun in her 20th year of religion

3

: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

4

archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness

religionless

ri-ˈli-jən-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

• credo
• creed
• cult
• faith
• persuasion

Examples of religion in a Sentence

Many people turn to religion for comfort in a time of crisis.

There are many religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.

Shinto is a religion that is unique to Japan.

Hockey is a religion in Canada.

Politics are a religion to him.

Where I live, high school football is religion.

Food is religion in this house.

Recent Examples on the Web

This week, West was hit with a fresh lawsuit from a Yeezy staffer who filed a complaint naming the company and rapper, stating that she was subjected to discrimination, harassment and retaliation because of her gender and Jewish religion. —Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025

The shifting role of religion in this historic region is embodied in the monumental Hagia Sophia, perhaps Istanbul’s most famous landmark and tourist destination. —Terri Colby, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025

Miami Herald Lauren Costantino is a religion reporter for the Miami Herald funded with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2025

Saudi textbooks have become much more tolerant of other religions. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Phrases Containing religion

• anti-religion
• freedom of religion
• get religion
• organized religion

Kids Definition

religion

noun

re·​li·​gion ri-ˈlij-ən 

1

a

: the service and worship of God or the supernatural

b

: belief in or devotion to religious faith or observance

c

: the state of a person in the religious life

a nun in her 20th year of religion

2

: a set or system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and ways of doing things

3

: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held with faith and strong feeling