Hinduism

noun

Hin·du·ism ˈhin-(ˌ)dü-ˌi-zəm

: the dominant religion of India that emphasizes dharma with its resulting ritual and social observances and often mystical contemplation and ascetic practices

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Hinduism was in 1786

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hinduism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hinduism. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

Hinduism

noun

Hin·du·ism ˈhin-(ˌ)dü-ˌiz-əm

: a body of social, cultural, and religious beliefs and practices native to the Indian subcontinent

Word of the Day

immaculate

Listen to the pronunciation of immaculate

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Love It or Hate It

When asked about her blind date, Carol spoke for hours with vitriol.

Hate Love

Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY