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:
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
In Braun’s work, there is first the story of the bells themselves, and their importance in European history, culture, and religion.
—Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
The legislation allows public schools to close on this day and enables government employees to take time off to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights, which is also celebrated by other religions.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.
—ABC News, 18 May 2026
Many American scholars dispute that, saying the founders were wary of a state religion and made the separation of church and state part of the First Amendment.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for religion
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Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
The legislation allows public schools to close on this day and enables government employees to take time off to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights, which is also celebrated by other religions.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.
—ABC News, 18 May 2026
Many American scholars dispute that, saying the founders were wary of a state religion and made the separation of church and state part of the First Amendment.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for religion
Cite this Entry
“Religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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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