Taoism

noun

Tao·​ism ˈdau̇-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce Taoism (audio)
ˈtau̇-
variants or less commonly Daoism
ˈdau̇-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce Taoism (audio)
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 How to pronounce Taoism (audio)
ˈtau̇-
adjective or noun
Taoistic
dau̇-ˈi-stik How to pronounce Taoism (audio)
tau̇-
adjective

Word History

Etymology

Tao

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Taoism was in 1838

Rhymes for Taoism

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Browse Nearby Words

taoiseach
Taoism
Taoist
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Cite this Entry

“Taoism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Taoism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Taoism

noun
Tao·​ism ˈdau̇-ˌiz-əm, ˈtau- How to pronounce Taoism (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on Taoism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Taoism

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