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.
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 Courtesy Terry Hara Former Terminal Islanders recall scenes of families praying at a Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple, shopping at grocery stores, and watching movies and attending dances at Fisherman’s Hall. Claire Wang, NBC news, 31 May 2025 Sumo is regarded as Japan’s national sport, or most sacred sport, and many of the ritual elements are connected to Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion. Stephen Wade, Denver Post, 28 May 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 26 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

Shinto

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

More from Merriam-Webster on Shinto

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