sect

1 of 2

noun

ˈsekt 

1

a

: a dissenting or schismatic religious body

especially : one regarded as extreme or heretical

b

: a religious denomination

2

archaic : sex sense 1

so is all her sect

—William Shakespeare

3

a

: a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader

b

: party

c

: faction

sect

2 of 2

abbreviation

section; sectional

Synonyms

Noun

• bloc
• block
• body
• coalition
• faction
• party
• set
• side
• wing

Examples of sect in a Sentence

Noun

one sect of medical researchers holds the minority view that the disease is not caused by that virus

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Newsweek is owned by two former members of the Olivet sect. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

The chance to reach Rogan’s audience—an elusive and powerful sect for both candidates—could be enormously impactful. —Jane Thier, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024

The people wear regular clothes, including the women and girls, who were dressed in blue jeans or leggings, not the prairie dresses that are characteristic of the polygamist sect. —Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2024

Rumors swirled about why the building, which is situated in an area home to many different sects, was targeted, and whether there were any Hezbollah members inside. —Rania Abouzeid, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English secte, from Anglo-French & Late Latin & Latin; Anglo-French, group, faction, from Late Latin secta organized ecclesiastical body, from Latin, course of action, way of life, probably from sectari to pursue, frequentative of sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

sect

noun

ˈsekt

1

a

: a religious group having beliefs that differ greatly from those of the main body

b

: a religious body consisting of members having similar beliefs

2

a

: a group of people having the same beliefs or following the same leader

b

: party sense 1

c

: faction