Judaism

noun

Ju·​da·​ism ˈjü-dē-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce Judaism (audio) ˈjü-də- How to pronounce Judaism (audio) ˈjü-(ˌ)dā- How to pronounce Judaism (audio)
 British also  ˈjü-ˌdi-zəm
1
: a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews and characterized by belief in one transcendent God who has revealed himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions
2
: the cultural, social, and religious beliefs and practices of the Jews
3
: conformity to Jewish rites, ceremonies, and practices
4
: the whole body of Jews : the Jewish people

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Judaism was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Judaism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Judaism. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

Judaism

noun
1
: a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews that stresses belief in one God and faithfulness to the laws of the Torah
2
: the beliefs and practices of the Jews
Judaic
jü-ˈdā-ik
adjective

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