¹Christian

noun Chris·tian \ˈkris-chən, ˈkrish-\

: a person who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ

Full Definition of CHRISTIAN

a : one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ

b (1) : disciple 2 (2) : a member of one of the Churches of Christ separating from the Disciples of Christ in 1906 (3) : a member of the Christian denomination having part in the union of the United Church of Christ concluded in 1961

: the hero in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress

See Christian defined for English-language learners

See Christian defined for kids

Origin of CHRISTIAN

Latin christianus, adjective & noun, from Greek christianos, from Christos

First Known Use: 1526

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite, iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary

²Christian

adjective

: of or relating to Jesus Christ or the religion based on his teachings

: of, relating to, or being Christians

: treating other people in a kind and generous way

Full Definition of CHRISTIAN

a : of or relating to Christianity <Christian scriptures>

b : based on or conforming with Christianity <Christian ethics>

a : of, relating to, or being a Christian <Christian responsibilities>

b : professing Christianity <a Christian affirmation> <a Christian country>

: commendably decent or generous <has a very Christian concern for others>

— Chris·tian·ly adjective or adverb

See Christian defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of CHRISTIAN

1547

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite, iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary

CHRISTIAN Defined for Kids

¹Christian

noun Chris·tian \ˈkris-chən\

Definition of CHRISTIAN for Kids

: a person who believes in Jesus Christ and follows his teachings

: a member of a Christian church

²Christian

adjective

Definition of CHRISTIAN for Kids

: of or relating to Jesus Christ or the religion based on his teachings

: of or relating to people who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ <a Christian nation>

: being what a person who practices Christianity should be or do <“ … I'd always feel that we had done a truly Christian act in helping him.” — Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea>