Taoism

noun

Tao·​ism ˈdau̇-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce Taoism (audio)
ˈtau̇-
variants or less commonly
1
: a Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the sixth century b.c. that teaches conformity to the Tao by unassertive action and simplicity
2
: a religion developed from Taoist philosophy and folk and Buddhist religion and concerned with obtaining long life and good fortune often by magical means
Taoist
ˈdau̇-ist How to pronounce Taoism (audio)
ˈtau̇-
adjective or noun
Taoistic adjective

Examples of Taoism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The name Nezha refers to a deity common across Chinese Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and other folk religions. New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2024 Thinking The 3 jewels of Taoism are helping drive the Rural Renaissance De-urbanized lifestyles can be aligned with basic Taoist principles — and remote workers are starting to feel the connection. Big Think, 24 June 2024 Wang’s study begins in the Song (960–1279) and Ming (1368–1644) dynasties with neo-Confucianism, a school of thought that adapted traditional Confucianism in the face of challenges by Taoism and Buddhism. Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 About one-fifth of Taiwan’s 23 million people count themselves as Buddhist, another 5 percent are Christian, and over half take part in Taoism and a range of related folk religions, including worshiping Mazu, also spelt Matsu. Amy Chang Chien Lam Yik Fei, New York Times, 3 May 2024 Vivienne began her career as a primary school teacher and remained always curious, studying Taoism in later years. Lily Cole, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2023 The holiday is largely secular and includes traditions deriving from Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, in addition to other traditions from myths and folk religions across Asia. Ty Roush, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024 Similarly, ancient Asian traditions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Taoism, Confucianism, and others elevated the human role in maintaining relationalharmony among interacting forces. Carl Safina, TIME, 5 Oct. 2023 And Taoism teaches that happiness comes from placing your will in harmony with life’s larger pattern. Frank Shyong, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Taoism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Tao

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Taoism was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near Taoism

Cite this Entry

“Taoism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Taoism. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

Taoism

noun
Tao·​ism
ˈdau̇-ˌiz-əm, ˈtau-
variants or Daoism
ˈdau̇-ˌiz-əm
1
: a Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the 6th century B.C. characterized by unassertive action and simplicity
2
: a religion developed from Taoist philosophy and folk and Buddhist religion

More from Merriam-Webster on Taoism

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