sect

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a dissenting or schismatic religious body
especially : one regarded as extreme or heretical
b
: a religious denomination
2
archaic : sex sense 1
so is all her sectWilliam Shakespeare
3
a
: a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader
b
: party
c

sect

2 of 2

abbreviation

Examples of sect in a Sentence

Noun one sect of medical researchers holds the minority view that the disease is not caused by that virus
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.
Noun
Today the rule of state is the guarantee for all sects. Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 Meanwhile, the terrorist sect has been rewarded for its efforts by Israeli strikes culminating in the total destruction of the Sanaa airport. The Editors, National Review, 8 May 2025 Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple Location: 505 E. Third St. | Find on Google Maps The Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple is a part of the Shinshu Otani-ha sect of Buddhism, one of the oldest and most popular denominations in Japan. Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 1 May 2025 The sect’s seat was later moved from Yemen to Sidhpur, where its followers showcased their prosperity and wealth by building hundreds of opulent residences in the first half of the 20th century. Kalpana Sunder, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sect

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English secte, from Anglo-French & Late Latin & Latin; Anglo-French, group, faction, from Late Latin secta organized ecclesiastical body, from Latin, course of action, way of life, probably from sectari to pursue, frequentative of sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sect was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Sect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sect. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

sect

noun
ˈsekt
1
a
: a religious group having beliefs that differ greatly from those of the main body
b
: a religious body consisting of members having similar beliefs
2
a
: a group of people having the same beliefs or following the same leader
c

More from Merriam-Webster on sect

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