denomination

noun

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

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

denominational

di-ˌnä-mə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

denominationally adverb

Synonyms of denomination

• name
• moniker
• nomenclature
• title
• designation
• appellation

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 other words, a quarter made of 90% silver could be worth more for its metal content than its 25-cent denomination. — Nick Perry, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

The 14 participating houses of worship span from Miami Shores to West Perrine and include a variety of denominations including Episcopal churches, United Methodist churches, one mosque and a handful of other Christian churches. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Starting in the mid-1990s, on one fall night a year, West End Avenue was shut down to traffic while local synagogues of different denominations brought out Torahs to dance with in the streets. — Amy Klein, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

From ‘Bible Belt’ to ‘culture wars’ Internally, both denominations have had major splits on whether women can be leaders and whether to recognize LGBTQ identities. — John Hayes, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see denominate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for denomination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

denomination

noun

de·​nom·​i·​na·​tion di-ˌnäm-ə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: an act of denominating

2

: one of a series of related values each having a special name

a $5 bill represents one denomination of U.S. money

3

: name entry 1 sense 1, designation

especially : a general name for a class of things

4

: a religious body made up of a number of congregations with similar beliefs

denominational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective