spiritualism

noun

spir·​i·​tu·​al·​ism ˈspir-i-chə-wə-ˌli-zəm 

-i-chə-ˌli-, 

-ich-wə-ˌli-

1

: the view that spirit is a prime element of reality

2

a

: a belief that spirits of the dead communicate with the living usually through a medium

b

Spiritualism : a movement comprising religious organizations emphasizing spiritualism

spiritualist

ˈspir-i-chə-wə-list 

-i-chə-list, 

-ich-wə-list

noun

often Spiritualist

spiritualistic

ˌspir-i-chə-wə-ˈli-stik 

-i-chə-ˈli-, 

-ich-wə-ˈli-

adjective

Examples of spiritualism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In that way, Bridgerton has been different from other upstairs-downstairs shows like Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age, which have worked in political and social storylines about Irish independence, American spiritualism, and new versus old money. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026

Explore meditation, spiritualism or philosophies that give you a better understanding of your life. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025

While some people also practiced goddess worship or wiccan spiritualism, for many the witch was simply a cultural display of joy and a rejection of domestic servitude. —Time, 21 Nov. 2025

The majority of White House ghost stories developed during the nineteenth century, according to the WHHA, as spiritualism was a prevalent belief in the country in the wake of the Civil War. —James Powel, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spiritualism

noun

spir·​i·​tu·​al·​ism ˈspir-ich-(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm 

-ich-ə-ˌliz-

: a belief that the spirits of the dead communicate with the living