religion
noun
re·li·gion
ri-ˈli-jən
1
: an organized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
a study of world religions including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism
practices that are against my religion
monotheistic religions
freedom of religion
also
: the religious beliefs, observances, and social practices found within a given cultural context
… currents in popular religion that are only dimly reflected in the canon of sanctioned Christian works … —Cullen Murphy
2
: commitment or devotion to a god or gods, a system of beliefs, or religious observance : the service and worship of a god, of multiple gods, or of the supernatural
his recent turn to religion
taking comfort in religion
3
: an interest, cause, belief, or activity that is intensely or passionately held to
Hockey is a religion in Canada.
… socialism became her religion, linking her to a community …—Lara Vapnek
4
: the state of being a member of a religious order
a nun in her 20th year of religion
5
archaic
: scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
see also:
Cite this Entry
“Religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.
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