Shinto

noun

Shin·​to ˈshin-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce Shinto (audio)
: the indigenous religion of Japan consisting chiefly in the cultic devotion to deities of natural forces and veneration of the Emperor as a descendant of the sun goddess
Shinto adjective
Shintoism noun
Shintoist noun or adjective
Shintoistic adjective

Examples of Shinto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most Japanese people have a very loose relationship to religion compared to some Westerners, adopting practices from Buddhism, Shinto, and even Christianity. Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025 Even today, the influence of Chinese culture, the Shinto religion and Zen Buddhism can be felt in rock gardens carefully raked to resemble water designed for reflection and meditation. Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 23 July 2025 Another less famous home of pilgrimage hikes is Japan, which has several mixing Shinto and Buddhist temples, and this is something WalkJapan specializes in and does very well, with expert guides and amazing food. Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Owing to his mythological genealogy, the emperor is considered the highest authority in Shinto, the native religion of the island. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for Shinto

Word History

Etymology

Japanese shintō

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Shinto was in 1727

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shinto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Shinto. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

Shinto

noun
Shin·​to ˈshin-tō How to pronounce Shinto (audio)
: a religion native to Japan

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