commandment

noun

com·​mand·​ment kə-ˈman(d)-mənt How to pronounce commandment (audio)
1
: the act or power of commanding
2
: something that is commanded
especially : one of the biblical Ten Commandments

Examples of commandment in a Sentence

the Ten Commandments in the Bible the boss left behind a list of commandments for running the office while he was away
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.
Thou shalt not get all bent out of shape if commandments three or four, or any other commandment herein named or referenced, shouldest cause thou to facilitate the death of any botanical earthly treasures. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Luis the younger, however, his potential heir, was a passionate crypto-Jew who spent his free time composing prayers to the God of Israel and secretly following the commandments of the Torah. Flora Cassen, The Conversation, 27 June 2025 Some commandments may sound helpful but come with hidden risks – especially for founders who don’t have elite backers or a soft landing if things go wrong. Dileep Rao, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 There is some irony that the lawmakers working on the bill with preliminary votes on both Saturday and Sunday, the Jewish Sabbath and the Christian Sabbath, violated the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for commandment

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of commandment was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commandment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commandment. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

commandment

noun
com·​mand·​ment kə-ˈman(d)-mənt How to pronounce commandment (audio)
: something commanded
especially : one of the biblical Ten Commandments

More from Merriam-Webster on commandment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!