mormon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “mormon” mean?
A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious group founded in the United States in the 19th century.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious group founded in the United States in the 19th century.
Historically, pertaining to the Latter-day Saint movement, its members, culture, or beliefs. In official communications since 2018, the church advises the use of its full name rather than 'Mormon'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both varieties, though awareness of the institutional preference for 'Latter-day Saint' may vary geographically.
Connotations
In both varieties, it primarily denotes religious affiliation. In some informal contexts, it can carry neutral or occasionally stereotyping cultural connotations.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the church's historical and demographic presence in the United States.
Grammar
How to Use “mormon” in a Sentence
He is a Mormon.She comes from a Mormon family.They studied Mormon theology.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mormon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Mormon community in Manchester is quite close-knit.
American English
- They followed Mormon dietary guidelines during their visit to Utah.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like 'Mormon business ethics' or demographic marketing.
Academic
Common in religious studies, American history, and sociology papers.
Everyday
Used in general conversation to identify religious affiliation or cultural background.
Technical
Used in theological, historical, and anthropological discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mormon”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mormon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mormon”
- Uncapitalized: 'mormon' (incorrect).
- Using as an adjective for things not directly related, e.g., 'Mormon food' (prefer 'Utah cuisine' or 'LDS dietary practice').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not inherently offensive but is considered informal and less accurate by the church itself, which since 2018 has requested the use of its full name or 'Latter-day Saint'.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints self-identify as Christians, but their beliefs, including additional scripture like the Book of Mormon, differ from those of Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant traditions.
Yes, e.g., 'Mormon history', 'Mormon beliefs'. However, the preferred adjectival form is now 'Latter-day Saint', as in 'Latter-day Saint history'.
It derives from 'The Book of Mormon', a sacred text published by Joseph Smith in 1830, which is named for Mormon, an ancient prophet-historian figure within the narrative of the book.
A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious group founded in the United States in the 19th century.
Mormon is usually formal, neutral in register.
Mormon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɔː.mən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɔːr.mən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As clean-living as a Mormon”
- “Mormon missionary zeal (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Mormon contains 'mor' like 'more' – think of 'more monotheism' or the 'Book of Mormon'.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS IDENTITY IS A LABEL; CULTURE IS A HERITAGE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the term officially preferred by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?