sect

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a dissenting or schismatic religious body
especially : one regarded as extreme or heretical
b
: a religious denomination
2
archaic : sex sense 1
so is all her sectWilliam Shakespeare
3
a
: a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader
b
: party
c

sect

2 of 2

abbreviation

Examples of sect in a Sentence

Noun one sect of medical researchers holds the minority view that the disease is not caused by that virus
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.
Noun
Hailing from an Indian branch of the Sulaymani Bohras, a Muslim sect residing primarily in the Arabian Peninsula, Husain was exposed to both Hindu and Islamic art from a young age. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025 In 2001, Mignini reopened the case as part of his reexamination of the Monster of Florence, alleging that Narducci belonged to a satanic sect behind the killings. Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 22 Oct. 2025 Just like there are many sects of Judaism or Christianity, there are many ways to be Muslim. Deena Elgenaidi, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 Their departures from the sect in 2022 and 2023 triggered a series of lawsuits, some of which are still playing out in court. Naveed Jamali, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sect

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English secte, from Anglo-French & Late Latin & Latin; Anglo-French, group, faction, from Late Latin secta organized ecclesiastical body, from Latin, course of action, way of life, probably from sectari to pursue, frequentative of sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sect. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

sect

noun
ˈsekt
1
a
: a religious group having beliefs that differ greatly from those of the main body
b
: a religious body consisting of members having similar beliefs
2
a
: a group of people having the same beliefs or following the same leader
c

More from Merriam-Webster on sect

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