baptist

noun

bap·​tist ˈbap-tist How to pronounce baptist (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈbab-tist,
 also  ˈbab-dist
1
: one that baptizes
2
capitalized : a member or adherent of an evangelical Protestant denomination marked by congregational polity and baptism by immersion of believers only
Baptist adjective

Examples of baptist 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.
Gentili was a Catholic who attended Catholic services, as well as Baptist services, during her life. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2024 Reared as a Baptist, he was used to being a Black participant in mostly white organizations. — Peggy Fletcher Stack, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of baptist was in the 13th century

Rhymes for baptist

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Browse Nearby Words

baptism of fire
baptist
baptistery
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Cite this Entry

“Baptist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baptist. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Baptist

adjective
Bap·​tist
ˈbap-təst
: of or relating to any of several Protestant denominations practicing baptism by immersion
Baptist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on baptist

Nglish: Translation of baptist for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about baptist

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