Judaism

noun

Ju·​da·​ism ˈjü-dē-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce Judaism (audio) ˈjü-də- How to pronounce Judaism (audio) ˈjü-(ˌ)dā- How to pronounce Judaism (audio)
 British also  ˈjü-ˌdi-zəm
1
: a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews and characterized by belief in one transcendent God who has revealed himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions
2
: the cultural, social, and religious beliefs and practices of the Jews
3
: conformity to Jewish rites, ceremonies, and practices
4
: the whole body of Jews : the Jewish people

Examples of Judaism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The event series is based on The Old Testament’s Book of Genesis and told through the eyes of the courageous and passionate yet flawed women whose descendants would shape three of the world’s great faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Denise Petski, Deadline, 27 June 2025 Saraf and Wolf join a growing contingent of Jewish players in the NBA, including Israeli Deni Avdija — who is coming off his own breakout season with the Portland Trail Blazers — and Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis, who is converting to Judaism. Jacob Gurvis, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2025 Willy talked about Rastafarianism more often than Judaism—but the two are closely connected. Benjamin Hale june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025 During the interview, Bruce discussed her relationship with Judaism, U.S. foreign policy, and the Trump presidency with political journalist Mike Wagenheim. Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for Judaism

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Judaism was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Judaism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Judaism. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

Judaism

noun
1
: a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews that stresses belief in one God and faithfulness to the laws of the Torah
2
: the beliefs and practices of the Jews
Judaic
jü-ˈdā-ik
adjective

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