Saivism

1 of 2

noun (1)

Sai·​vism
variants or Shaivism
-īˌvizəm
or Shivaism
ˈshēvəˌizəm
plural -s
: sivaism

Sivaism

2 of 2

noun (2)

Si·​va·​ism
ˈsēvəˌizəm
variants or Shivaism
ˈshē-
plural -s
: a sect comprising the worshipers of the god Siva

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Saiva or Shaiva + -ism

Noun (2)

Siva, Shiva, supreme god of many Hindu sects (from Sanskrit Śiva, literally, friendly, auspicious) + English -ism; akin to Old English hīwan, plural, members of a household

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Cite this Entry

“Saivism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Saivism. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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