First Known Use: 1617
Dictionary
cult
noun, often attributive \ˈkəlt\
: a small religious group that is not part of a larger and more accepted religion and that has beliefs regarded by many people as extreme or dangerous
: a situation in which people admire and care about something or someone very much or too much
: a small group of very devoted supporters or fans
Full Definition of CULT
1
: formal religious veneration : worship
2
: a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
3
: a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents
4
: a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator <health cults>
5
a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b : the object of such devotion c : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion
— cul·tic \ˈkəl-tik\ adjective
— cult·ish \-tish\ adjective
— cult·ish·ly \-lē\ adverb
— cult·ish·ness \-nəs\ noun
— cult·ism \ˈkəl-ˌti-zəm\ noun
— cult·ist \ˈkəl-tist\ noun
— cult·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
See cult defined for English-language learners
See cult defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CULT
French & Latin; French culte, from Latin cultus care, adoration, from colere to cultivate — more at wheel
Related to CULT
- Synonyms
- audience, followership, following
Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms
Medical Dictionary
cult
abbreviation
Medical Definition of CULT
culture
Learn More About CULT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: cultchPrevious Word in the Dictionary: culs–de–lampeAll Words Near: cult
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up cult? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).