catechism

noun

cat·​e·​chism ˈka-tə-ˌki-zəm How to pronounce catechism (audio)
Synonyms of catechismnext
1
: oral instruction
2
: a manual for catechizing (see catechize sense 1)
specifically : a summary of religious doctrine often in the form of questions and answers
3
a
: a set of formal questions put as a test
b
: something resembling a catechism especially in being a rote response or formulaic statement
The cook often consulted the latest nutritional catechism for advice.
catechismal
ˌka-tə-ˈkiz-məl How to pronounce catechism (audio)
adjective
catechistic
ˌka-tə-ˈki-stik How to pronounce catechism (audio)
adjective

Examples of catechism in a Sentence

They went to school to learn their catechism. He taught catechism at Sunday school.
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 man rattles off contract terms as a priest recalls the catechism. — Charlie Lee, The New York Review of Books, 9 May 2026 History offers an outlook on life and a method for living it, not a catechism. — Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2019 No creeds, no deep theological reflection, no careful catechisms. — Matthew Avery Sutton, Washington Post, 7 May 2025 The opposition’s mainstream leaders still mouth the catechism that change should come by Venezuelan hands, but more are openly courting external pressure to tilt the balance. — Robert Muggah, The Conversation, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for catechism

Word History

Etymology

see catechesis

First Known Use

1502, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catechism was in 1502

Rhymes for catechism

See All Rhymes for catechism

Browse Nearby Words

catechise
catechism
catechismal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

catechism

noun
cat·​e·​chism ˈkat-ə-ˌkiz-əm How to pronounce catechism (audio)
1
: a summary of religious doctrine in the form of questions and answers
2
: a set of questions requiring memorized answers put as a test
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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