Taoism

noun

Tao·​ism ˈdau̇-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce Taoism (audio)
ˈtau̇-
variants or less commonly
ˈdau̇-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce Taoism (audio)
1
: a Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the sixth century b.c. that teaches conformity to the Tao by unassertive action and simplicity
2
: a religion developed from Taoist philosophy and folk and Buddhist religion and concerned with obtaining long life and good fortune often by magical means
Taoist
ˈdau̇-ist How to pronounce Taoism (audio)
ˈtau̇-
adjective or noun
Taoistic
dau̇-ˈi-stik How to pronounce Taoism (audio)
tau̇-
adjective

Examples of Taoism 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.
The question has turned out to be a conundrum for some followers of Taoism—a term that first appeared as a religious category in Singapore in the 1980 census. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 8 Mar. 2025 Today, the monastery is known for honoring all three of China’s main religions—Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. — Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Tao

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Taoism was in 1838

Rhymes for Taoism

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Taoism
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Cite this Entry

“Taoism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Taoism. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Taoism

noun
Tao·​ism
ˈdau̇-ˌiz-əm, ˈtau-
variants or Daoism
ˈdau̇-ˌiz-əm
1
: a Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the 6th century B.C. characterized by unassertive action and simplicity
2
: a religion developed from Taoist philosophy and folk and Buddhist religion

More from Merriam-Webster on Taoism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Taoism

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