religion

noun

re·​li·​gion ri-ˈli-jən 

1

: an organized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices

a study of world religions including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism

practices that are against my religion

monotheistic religions

freedom of religion

also : the religious beliefs, observances, and social practices found within a given cultural context

… currents in popular religion that are only dimly reflected in the canon of sanctioned Christian works …

—Cullen Murphy

2

: commitment or devotion to a god or gods, a system of beliefs, or religious observance : the service and worship of a god, of multiple gods, or of the supernatural

his recent turn to religion

taking comfort in religion

3

: an interest, cause, belief, or activity that is intensely or passionately held to

Hockey is a religion in Canada.

… socialism became her religion, linking her to a community …

—Lara Vapnek

4

: the state of being a member of a religious order

a nun in her 20th year of religion

5

archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness

religionless

ri-ˈli-jən-ləs 

adjective

see also:

find religion

Synonyms of religion

• cult
• persuasion
• creed
• sect

Examples of religion in a Sentence

Many people turn to religion for comfort in a time of crisis.

There are many religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.

Shinto is a religion that is unique to Japan.

Hockey is a religion in Canada.

Politics are a religion to him.

Where I live, high school football is religion.

Food is religion in this house.

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, religious leader Joseph Smith, who founded the Mormon religion, was charismatic. — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

Earlier this year, more than a hundred thousand bots joined a social network, Moltbook, and, within seventy-two hours, created a religion called Crustafarianism, which came to involve the worship of crabs. — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Since his sentencing, Taylor has received his GED and taken courses on personal finance, public speaking, world religions and drawing. — Aki Nace, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

For some, psychedelics aren’t the gateway to religion but rather an enhancement. — Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing religion

• anti-religion
• find religion
• freedom of religion
• get religion
• organized religion

Rhymes for religion

• irreligion
• pigeon

Kids Definition

religion

noun

re·​li·​gion ri-ˈlij-ən 

1

a

: the service and worship of God or the supernatural

b

: belief in or devotion to religious faith or observance

c

: the state of a person in the religious life

a nun in her 20th year of religion

2

: a set or system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and ways of doing things

3

: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held with faith and strong feeling