Taoism

noun

Tao·​ism ˈdau̇-ˌi-zəm 

ˈtau̇-

variants or less commonly Daoism

ˈdau̇-ˌi-zəm 

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 

ˈtau̇-

adjective or noun

Taoistic

dau̇-ˈi-stik 

tau̇-

adjective

Word History

Etymology

Tao

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Taoism

• daoism
• maoism

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