Shinto

noun

Shin·​to ˈshin-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce Shinto (audio)
: the indigenous religion of Japan consisting chiefly in the cultic devotion to deities of natural forces and veneration of the Emperor as a descendant of the sun goddess
Shinto adjective
Shintoism noun
Shintoist noun or adjective
Shintoistic adjective

Examples of Shinto 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.
Courtesy Terry Hara Former Terminal Islanders recall scenes of families praying at a Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple, shopping at grocery stores, and watching movies and attending dances at Fisherman’s Hall. Claire Wang, NBC news, 31 May 2025 Sumo is regarded as Japan’s national sport, or most sacred sport, and many of the ritual elements are connected to Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion. Stephen Wade, Denver Post, 28 May 2025 Rooted in Confucian ethics, Zen Buddhism and Shinto beliefs, this code emphasizes loyalty, self-sacrifice and duty to protect others. Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2025 Take Japan, where the erosion of Shinto and Buddhist death rituals has coincided with an epidemic of overwork and suicide. Devi Brown, Time, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Shinto

Word History

Etymology

Japanese shintō

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Shinto was in 1727

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shinto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Shinto. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

Shinto

noun
Shin·​to ˈshin-tō How to pronounce Shinto (audio)
: a religion native to Japan

More from Merriam-Webster on Shinto

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!