hermeneutic

noun

her·​me·​neu·​tic ˌhər-mə-ˈnü-tik How to pronounce hermeneutic (audio)
-ˈnyü-
1
hermeneutics plural in form but singular or plural in construction : the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible)
2
: a method or principle of interpretation
a philosophical hermeneutic

Examples of hermeneutic 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.
Many practices of reading and scriptural hermeneutics associated with mysticism arose within the context of medieval Christianity, particularly monasticism. — Simon Critchley, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 Likewise, reading old C code feels like engaging in the hermeneutics of ancient script, while Coq demands the exactitude of proving mathematical theorems. — Sheon Han, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2024 Alderman’s encyclopedic knowledge of everything from cryptographic history to biblical hermeneutics lends the novel a savvy, scholarly gravitas. — Ian Wang, New York Times, 7 Nov. 2023 The vast majority of priests who took up Benedict’s permission in 2007 also say the new Mass; no clearer demonstration can be made of their commitment to Benedict’s idea of the hermeneutic of continuity. — Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 15 Sep. 2021 See All Example Sentences for hermeneutic

Word History

Etymology

see hermeneutical

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hermeneutic was in 1737

Rhymes for hermeneutic

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

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

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