Christian

1 of 2

noun

Chris·​tian ˈkris-chən 

ˈkrish-

1

a

: one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ

b(1)

: disciple sense 2

(2)

: a member of one of the Churches of Christ separating from the Disciples of Christ in 1906

(3)

: a member of the Christian denomination having part in the union of the United Church of Christ concluded in 1961

2

: the hero in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress

Christian

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: of or relating to Christianity

Christian scriptures

b

: based on or conforming with Christianity

Christian ethics

2

a

: of, relating to, or being a Christian

Christian responsibilities

b

: professing Christianity

a Christian affirmation

a Christian country

3

: treating other people in a kind or generous way

has a very Christian concern for others

Christianly adjective or adverb

Examples of Christian in a Sentence

Adjective

Many of my friends are Christian.

He showed a very Christian concern for others.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson is a potentially perfect fit. — Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 16 June 2026

While stepping out for a photocall at the Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid, Spain, Zendaya embraced a flapper-era trend with her strapless black Christian Cowan gown, which is from the fashion house’s fall/winter 2026 collection. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 June 2026

Adjective

The nondenominational evangelical Christian church plans to convert the facility into its new home to expand its ministry through sports programming and community educational initiatives, according to the YMCA. — Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026

Yordan Alvarez extended his on-base streak to 24 games and scored Christian Vazquez on a double for his 55th RBI of the season. — CBS News, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Latin christianus, adjective & noun, from Greek christianos, from Christos — see Christ

First Known Use

Noun

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

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Phrases Containing Christian

• anti-Christian
• Christian Brother
• Christian era
• Christian name
• Christian nationalism
• Christian nationalist
• Christian Science
• Judeo-Christian
• non-Christian
• post-Christian
• pre-Christian
• un-Christian

Rhymes for Christian

• unchristian

Kids Definition

Christian

1 of 2 noun

Chris·​tian ˈkris-chən 

ˈkrish-

1

: a person who believes in Jesus Christ and follows his teachings

2

: a member of a Christian church

Christian

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of or relating to Jesus Christ or the religion based on his teachings

2

: of or relating to Christians

a Christian nation

3

: being what a Christian should be or do

Christian behavior