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

Example Sentences

Adjective

Many of my friends are Christian.

He showed a very Christian concern for others.

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

See More

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

See More

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