denomination

noun

de·nom·i·na·tion | \ di-ˌnä-mə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of denomination

1 : an act of denominating the denomination of prices in U.S. dollars

2 : a value or size of a series of values or sizes metric denominations especially : the value of a particular coin or bill bills in $20 and $50 denominations

3 : name, designation especially : a general name for a category listed under the general denomination of gifts

4 : a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices people from several different Christian denominations

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Examples of denomination in a Sentence

People from several different religious denominations participated in the event. Methodists, Baptists, and other Christian denominations. It's one of the more conservative denominations. The kidnappers asked for bills in small denominations. The gift certificates are available in $5 and $10 denominations. She spoke with people of many different political denominations.

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1732, the Moravians, one of the oldest Protestant denominations, held the first sunrise Easter service. — Morin Bishop, Woman's Day, "What’s an Easter Sunrise Service? Here's Everything You Need to Know," 22 Mar. 2019 This has many denominations: words of appreciation, hugs and kisses and, particularly, smiles. — The Economist, "A paradox at the heart of gift-giving," 28 June 2018 As America’s third-largest religious denomination, United Methodism has 6.8 million members in the U.S.—but nearly six million more overseas. — Mark Tooley, WSJ, "The African Future of ‘America’s Church’," 7 Mar. 2019 Every spring, many Christians from different denominations celebrate Lent. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "When is Lent? Here's Everything You Need to Know About the Christian Holiday," 13 Feb. 2019 The order of worship generally reflects the practices of each denomination but the theme of joyful celebration is consistent across all the services. — Morin Bishop, Woman's Day, "What’s an Easter Sunrise Service? Here's Everything You Need to Know," 22 Mar. 2019 During the civil rights movement, Paul’s admonition echoed through white, Southern churches, especially those that split from their larger denominations to hold on to segregation. — Michael Harriot, The Root, "A Brief History of People Using Romans 13 to Justify White Supremacy," 15 June 2018 Barack Obama spoke at national meetings for the United Church of Christ, his own denomination, and a gathering of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. — Daniel Burke, CNN, "Pence accused of 'hijacking' evangelical meeting," 13 June 2018 Her denomination, the Anglican Church in North America, was formed under the leadership of African Anglican bishops to serve conservative US Episcopalians and others. — Rachel Zoll, BostonGlobe.com, "If the government won’t help fight climate change, the finance world will," 2 Apr. 2018

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

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1 May 2019

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The first known use of denomination was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for denomination

denomination

noun

Financial Definition of denomination

What It Is

Usually associated with currency, a denomination is the value specified on a monetary instrument.

How It Works

Denomination values are graduated and usually divisible by some common denominator (hence, 'denomination'). For example, in addition to the $1 bill, denominations of U.S. paper money include $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 notes, all divisible by 5.

Though denominations are generally discussed with regard to currency, financial instruments such as bonds are also generally issued in different denominations.

Why It Matters

Where currency is concerned, denominations provide the bearer with a range of values depending on how much money he or she will need to spend. In the case of financial instruments such as bonds, denominations provide investors with a range of values based on what they are able to afford.

Source: Investing Answers

denomination

noun