Zoroastrianism

noun

Zo·​ro·​as·​tri·​an·​ism ˌzȯr-ə-ˈwa-strē-ə-ˌni-zəm 

: a Persian religion founded in the sixth century b.c. by the prophet Zoroaster, promulgated in the Avesta, and characterized by worship of a supreme god Ahura Mazda who requires good deeds for help in his cosmic struggle against the evil spirit Ahriman

Zoroastrian

ˌzȯr-ə-ˈwa-strē-ən 

adjective or noun

Examples of Zoroastrianism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shia Islam is the majority religion in Iran, but the constitution recognizes Sunni Islam, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Christianity as minority sects, with each represented in parliament. — Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

The holiday, which marks the first day of spring, originated from the Zoroastrianism religion, predating Islam in Iran. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026

Every region, religion and ethnicity celebrates the 3,000-year-old holiday of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year that’s rooted in Zoroastrianism and celebrated on the first day of spring. — Talla Mountjoy, Twin Cities, 11 Mar. 2026

Parsis, who practice Zoroastrianism, migrated from Persia to the Indian subcontinent between the 8th and 10th centuries. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

Some on the Iranian plateau still practice Zoroastrianism, the world’s first monotheistic faith, and the foundation for an ancient empire that still informs Iranians’ sense of themselves. — Karl Vick, Time, 22 June 2025

Although closely associated with Zoroastrianism today, this funerary tradition is rooted more deeply in Persian culture, reflecting an ancient respect for the cycles of nature. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

This ceremonial table holds several symbolic items including a mirror representing eternity and candlesticks, a reference to a fire burning passion, and a nod to Zoroastrianism. — Iman Hariri-Kia, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Zoroastrianism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism