Taoism

1 of 3

noun (1)

Tao·​ism ˈdau̇-ˌi-zəm 

ˈtau̇-

variants or less commonly Daoism

ˈdau̇-ˌi-zəm 

1

: a Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the sixth century b.c. that teaches conformity to the Tao by unassertive action and simplicity

2

: a religion developed from Taoist philosophy and folk and Buddhist religion and concerned with obtaining long life and good fortune often by magical means

Taoist

ˈdau̇-ist 

ˈtau̇-

adjective or noun

Taoistic

dau̇-ˈi-stik 

tau̇-

adjective

Taoist

2 of 3

adjective

Tao·​ist -ə̇st 

variants or Taoistic

(ˈ)⸗¦istik 

: of or relating to Taoism

Taoist

3 of 3

noun (2)

"

plural -s

: an adherent of Taoism

Examples of Taoism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Shugendō, a mix of Shintoism, Buddhism and Taoism, involves hiking in sacred mountains in order to attain spiritual enlightenment. — Catherine Heald, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026

According to Taoism, water adapts to situations and overcomes obstacles with ease. — Bhakti Mirchandani, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2026

Wang noted that the story treats various belief systems — Taoism, indigenous spirituality, Christianity and the fictional cult — as equal, with none positioned as superior to another. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025

In a city heavily influenced by Buddhism and Taoism, living in apartments associated with ghastly deaths often stokes fear of bad fortune. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025

Rooted in Taoism and Zen Buddhism, his ink-on-paper compositions and oil paintings—celebrated in global collections and high-profile auctions—transform philosophy into visceral experience. — Byron Armstrong, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

The Ne Zha films pull characters and concepts from multiple religions and philosophical systems including Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. — Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Tao

Adjective

tao entry 1 + -ist or -istic

Noun (2)

tao entry 1 + -ist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Taoism

• daoism
• maoism

Kids Definition

Taoism

noun

Tao·​ism ˈdau̇-ˌiz-əm, ˈtau- 

variants or Daoism

ˈdau̇-ˌiz-əm

1

: a Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the 6th century B.C. characterized by unassertive action and simplicity

2

: a religion developed from Taoist philosophy and folk and Buddhist religion