cult

noun, often attributive

\ ˈkəlt

Definition of cult

1 : a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious (see spurious sense 2) also : its body of adherents the voodoo cult a satanic cult

2a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (such as a film or book) criticizing how the media promotes the cult of celebrity especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad

b : the object of such devotion

c : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion the singer's cult of fans The film has a cult following.

3 : a system of religious beliefs and ritual also : its body of adherents the cult of Apollo

4 : formal religious veneration : worship

5 : a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator health cults

Other Words from cult Synonyms The Overlap of Cults and Culture More Example Sentences Phrases Containing cult Learn More About cult

Other Words from cult

cultic \ ˈkəl-tik

\ adjective

cultish \ ˈkəl-tish

\ adjective

cultishly \ ˈkəl-tish-lē

\ adverb

cultishness \ ˈkəl-tish-nəs

\ noun

cultism \ ˈkəl-ˌti-zəm

\ noun

cultlike \ ˈkəlt-ˌlīk

\ adjective

The Overlap of Cults and Culture

Cult, which shares an origin with culture and cultivate, comes from the Latin cultus, a noun with meanings ranging from "tilling, cultivation" to "training or education" to "adoration." In English, cult has evolved a number of meanings following a fairly logical path. The earliest known uses of the word, recorded in the 17th century, broadly denoted "worship." From here cult came to refer to a specific branch of a religion or the rites and practices of that branch, as in "the cult of Dionysus." By the early 18th century, cult could refer to a non-religious admiration or devotion, such as to a person, idea, or fad ("the cult of success"). Finally, by the 19th century, the word came to be used of "a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious."

Examples of cult in a Sentence

She has developed a cult following. long after it had gone off the air, the TV series continued to have a huge cult

Recent Examples on the Web From the cult-favorite brand Slip, this was designed to give its wearer a good night's rest while also ensuring that their nightly skincare products stay right where they're supposed to. — Editors Of Men's Health, Men's Health, 4 May 2022 The award-winning brand recently held its Friends and Family Sale, which discounted its cult-favorite products at up to 40% off. — Samantha Olson, Seventeen, 28 Apr. 2022 Therabody, the pioneer behind the cult-favorite percussive therapy devices, launched the TheraFace PRO. — Katie Intner, Harper's BAZAAR, 26 Apr. 2022 Out of both of their needs, the cult-favorite, best-selling Jet Lag Mask was born. — Olivia Perez, Forbes, 22 Apr. 2022 During the pandemic, however, Rags2Riches had to pivot away from its cult-favorite bags and accessories. — Eunica Escalante, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2022 This quartet from cult-favorite Brightland comes from California olives. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 21 Apr. 2022 The brand keeps sustainability top of mind: These cult-favorite sneakers are made out of eucalyptus tree fiber treads, which minimize odor and form right to his feet for maximum comfort. — Cameron Jenkins, Good Housekeeping, 20 Apr. 2022 New Balance teamed with cult-favorite Los Angeles label Staud on a flashier take on their beloved 57/40 sneakers, which feature bright accents and interchangeable laces. — Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cult.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.