1
: of or relating to religion
My religious beliefs forbid the drinking of alcohol.
religious groups/organizations/schools
Religious leaders called for an end to the violence.
2
: believing in a god or a group of gods and following the rules of a religion
She is very religious.
My grandfather was a deeply religious [=spiritual] man.
His wife is very active in the church, but he's not religious himself.
3
informal
a
: very careful to do something whenever it can or should be done
—usually + about
She's religious about using her seatbelt [=she always uses her seatbelt] when she drives.
b
: very interested in or involved with something
—usually + about
The people here are religious about college football.
Cite this Entry
“Religious.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/religious. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.
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