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
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
Lara Vapnek4
: the state of being a member of a religious order
a nun in her 20th year of religion
5
archaic
: scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
see also find religion
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
Analysts say religion is just one of multiple factors behind the persistent security challenges Nigeria has faced for many years.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025
Many of these early astronomers worked at the intersection of philosophy, religion, and mathematics.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 25 Dec. 2025
The Nigerian government says attacks by militant groups are less about religion than where those groups are located.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 25 Dec. 2025
There are few things more universally loved for a kid, few items that defy creed, race, religion, the way a bicycle does.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for religion
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Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025
Many of these early astronomers worked at the intersection of philosophy, religion, and mathematics.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 25 Dec. 2025
The Nigerian government says attacks by militant groups are less about religion than where those groups are located.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 25 Dec. 2025
There are few things more universally loved for a kid, few items that defy creed, race, religion, the way a bicycle does.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for religion
Cite this Entry
“Religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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