Shinto

noun

Shin·​to ˈshin-(ˌ)tō 

: the Indigenous religion of Japan consisting chiefly in the devotion to and worship of deities of natural forces

Shinto adjective

Shintoism

ˈshin-(ˌ)tō-ˌi-zəm 

noun

Shintoist

ˈshin-ˌtō-ist 

noun or adjective

Shintoistic

ˌshin-tō-ˈi-stik 

adjective

Examples of Shinto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Respecting Nature Nature is key to Japan’s traditional Shinto religion, in which mountains, trees, stone and flowers are capable of having spirits. — Catherine Heald, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026

Considered among the most important of Japan’s more than 80,000 Shinto shrines, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine was built on the burial site of Sugawara Michizane, a poet and politician who lived during the 9th century. — Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026

Built entirely of Japanese cypress and assembled without metal nails or screws, it has been ritually dismantled and rebuilt every 20 years for more than 1,300 years, in keeping with Shinto tradition. — Adam H. Graham, Time, 12 Mar. 2026

In the end, the prime minister sided with Shinto tradition and chose not to present the award. — Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese shintō

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Shinto

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

Shinto

noun

Shin·​to ˈshin-tō 

: a religion native to Japan