orthodox

adjective

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or·tho·dox | \ ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks

Definition of orthodox

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : conforming to established doctrine especially in religion orthodox principles the orthodox interpretation

b : conventional took an orthodox approach to the problem orthodox medicine

2 capitalized : of, relating to, or constituting any of various conservative religious or political groups: such as

a : eastern orthodox Greek Orthodox rituals

b : of, relating to, or practicing Orthodox Judaism The core market for these vinifera wines remains Orthodox Jews who require kosher foods for religious ceremonies.— Thomas Matthews

orthodox

noun

plural orthodox also orthodoxes

Definition of orthodox (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : one that is orthodox

2 capitalized : a member of an Eastern Orthodox church

Other Words from orthodox Synonyms & Antonyms Did you know? More Example Sentences Learn More About orthodox

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Did you know?

An orthodox religious belief or interpretation is one handed down by a church's founders or leaders. When capitalized, as in Orthodox Judaism, Orthodox refers to a branch within a larger religious organization that claims to honor the religion's original or traditional beliefs. The steadfast holding of established beliefs that is seen in religious orthodoxy is apparent also in other kinds of orthodox behavior. Orthodox medical treatment, for example, follows the established practices of mainstream medicine. Unorthodox thinking is known in business language as "thinking outside the box".

Examples of orthodox in a Sentence

Adjective He took an orthodox approach to the problem. She believes in the benefits of both orthodox medicine and alternative medicine. He is a very orthodox Muslim. I attend an Eastern Orthodox church. My grandmother is Russian Orthodox.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Why is Barrett’s orthodox Catholicism and membership in a charismatic Christian community any different? — Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, 10 Aug. 2021 Attempts to change their grip over the public sphere have kept these struggles alive over the years: In 1999, over 250,000 ultra-orthodox Israelis protested the Supreme Court for rulings advancing separation of religion and state. — Dahlia Scheindlin, The New Republic, 20 July 2021 His orthodox Christian rationalism has inspired innumerable other modern writers, including T. S. Eliot, C. S. Lewis, Étienne Gilson, Buckley, and Malcolm Muggeridge. — M. D. Aeschliman, National Review, 8 Aug. 2021 His coalition would have included the ultra-orthodox parties alongside the Jewish supremacist, anti-liberal party called Religious Zionism. — Dahlia Scheindlin, The New Republic, 20 July 2021 His orthodox approach to Mass and sermons has driven some parish members to leave St. James but has galvanized others. — Todd Richmond, Star Tribune, 9 July 2021 Other current and former federal clerks have similar experiences struggling to land their clerkships through an orthodox pipeline centered on privilege. — NBC News, 4 July 2021 It was thought Martial had made the transition to being an orthodox number nine, but Cavani quickly exposed that as being somewhat premature. — Sam Pilger, Forbes, 29 June 2021 An orthodox Jewish volunteer organization is on standby to comb through the wreckage of the Surfside condo building that collapsed Thursday. — Lisa J. Huriash, sun-sentinel.com, 25 June 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Just as pragmatic liberals pursue piecemeal reforms and orthodox Marxists hold out for the proletarian revolution, the lodestar of the PowerPoint left is ideological realignment. — Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 24 May 2021 This is true for the left and the right: The trans community can get ads addressing their concerns just as easily as the religiously orthodox can addressing theirs. — Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner, 10 Jan. 2020 That had the effect of enforcing a very bland neutrality in radio and television, one that really favored well-established, orthodox, left-of-center views and conservatives hated that. — Andrew Marino, The Verge, 13 Aug. 2019 The decision was seen by many as supportive of central-bank autonomy while bringing an orthodox although sometimes critical voice to the bank’s policy-setting board. — Juan Montes, WSJ, 8 Oct. 2018 Also in the region Mr. Heath, who specializes in econometrics and monetary policy, is widely seen as an orthodox economist. — Juan Montes, WSJ, 26 Sep. 2018 Just imagine: an encased farce of brined and smoked brisket dragged through the garden of the orthodox Chicago condiments. — Mike Sula, Chicago Reader, 12 July 2018 The once ultra-orthodox are loosening their ideologies, facilitated by Facebook groups, podcasts, websites, and meet-ups. — Sarah Scoles, Longreads, 8 June 2018 The fascinating modern historic events there now were instigated by an unorthodox president who may be about to accomplish what orthodox leaders never could. — Andrew Malcolm, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 May 2018

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