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
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Rooted in the Buddhist and Shinto belief that water is a means of purifying oneself, onsen bathing dates back to the sixth century and remains a regular self-care practice for Japanese people today. Anna Haines, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025 She was inspired by the Japanese Shinto religion, which teaches that objects have spirits and must be respected as such. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025 The ancient records don’t give a name, and Shinto is a form of animism that believes in countless gods that lie behind the forces of nature. Martin Fackler, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 The Kurama Fire Festival, held annually on Oct. 22 in Kyoto, is a Shinto ritual where large torches are carried through the streets to ward off evil and purify the land. Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 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 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

Shinto

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

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