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

Though there are several artworks in the exhibition that reference Christianity and Judaism, the gallery wasn’t able to include any of Farrow’s Islamic sculptures. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2024

Known as the Pesach or Passover moon in Judaism, this full moon will mark the start of Passover this spring as well as coincide with Hanuman Jayanti, a Hindu festival marking the birth of Lord Hanuman. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 23 Apr. 2024

According to a 2020 survey, fewer than 1 percent of West Virginians identify with a non-Christian religion such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism. —Kellie B. Gormly, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024

Passover is a ceremonious occasion to rejoice in Judaism, especially during the first family meal or Seder, according to britannica.com. —Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Apr. 2024

However, my hippie parents practiced every kind of spirituality but Judaism. —Elliot Kukla, TIME, 22 Apr. 2024

Amid the war in Gaza and tensions over access to major holy sites, this complex, ancient and diverse city that's central to Judaism, Islam and Christianity has remained largely peaceful. —Ayman Oghanna, NPR, 21 Apr. 2024

Ernst Asch was Jewish, and Hilde Simon was from a family that had converted from Judaism to Protestantism two generations earlier. —Trip Gabriel, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2024

Yet perhaps one of the more interesting phenomena in recent months is that of Jews returning to their synagogues and leaning into their Judaism, rather than shying away from it. —David Oliver, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 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 Old Testament

2

: the beliefs and practices of the Jews

Judaic

jü-ˈdā-ik

adjective