English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

disciple

dih-SEYE-puhl
noun
1
Someone who follows and learns from a teacher or leader, especially a religious or philosophical one.
"The twelve disciples travelled with Jesus and spread his teachings."
"She became a disciple of the guru after years of reading his books."
verb
1
To teach and guide someone as a follower.
"The older members disciple newer converts one-on-one."

How to Use Disciple

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA follower who learns from and looks up to a teacher or leader.

Common mistake

Usually capitalized when referring to the twelve followers of Jesus specifically; lowercase for general followers of any idea or person.

Common pairings
a disciple of devoted disciple disciple someone in the faith

Word Forms

discipled past tense, disciples plural, disciples singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “disciple” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The twelve _____ travelled with Jesus and spread his teachings.

Etymology

From Latin discipulus, "pupil, learner," via Old English and Old French — the same root that gives us "discipline."

Related Words

Rhymes for disciple

See all rhymes for disciple →

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial