sect

1 of 2

noun

ˈsekt 

1

a

: a dissenting or schismatic religious body

especially : one regarded as extreme or heretical

b

: a religious denomination

2

archaic : sex sense 1

So is all her sect …

—William Shakespeare

3

a

: a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader

b

: party

c

: faction

sect

2 of 2

abbreviation

section; sectional

Synonyms of sect

Noun

• faction
• party
• wing
• side

Examples of sect in a Sentence

Noun

one sect of medical researchers holds the minority view that the disease is not caused by that virus

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But Landor’s appeal is backed by dozens of 30 religious and civil rights groups from across the ideological spectrum and representing large and small sects. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025

Samson noted that throughout fashion history, only garments for women have been designed with rear closures, with the possible exception amid the utopian Saint-Simonian sect in 19th-century France, when men wore waistcoats that fastened from behind, requiring assistance. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025

Prosecutors also alleged Velardo had worked closely in Italy with Antonio Cuppari, who prosecutors said was part of the ‘Ndrangheta’s powerful Morabito clan and Antonio Maccarone, the son-in-law of one of the leaders of another powerful ‘Ndrangheta sect, the Mancuso clan. —Karen Wang, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

Amanda Seyfried stars as the titular character, founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English secte, from Anglo-French & Late Latin & Latin; Anglo-French, group, faction, from Late Latin secta organized ecclesiastical body, from Latin, course of action, way of life, probably from sectari to pursue, frequentative of sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for sect

• checked
• decked
• flecked
• hecht
• necked
• pecked
• trekked
• wrecked
• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect

Kids Definition

sect

noun

ˈsekt

1

a

: a religious group having beliefs that differ greatly from those of the main body

b

: a religious body consisting of members having similar beliefs

2

a

: a group of people having the same beliefs or following the same leader

b

: party sense 1

c

: faction